It turns out that when planning for the big moment, many decision-making factors—cost, personal experience, friend and family member recommendations—fade into the background.  What matters most is a facility’s reputation and expertise.

Just under one-third (28.2%) of expectant moms cited birth location reputation and expertise as the most important factor when choosing where to delivery.  Even women who are already mothers still choose birthing facility reputation and expertise over prior personal experience with a facility.

Other factors that women consider important include:

• Prior personal experience with the facility (17.0%)
• Health care provider recommendation (14.3%)
• Proximity to home and/or work (13.0%)
• Visitation rights of the healthcare provider (12.6%)
• Cost (10.5%)
• Recommendations of family and friends (2.5%)
• Policies for who can attend my birth (1.5%)
• Décor and amenities (TV, music, etc.) (0.4%)

Unsurprisingly, first-time moms are much more concerned with a facility’s reputation and expertise than repeaters. Approximately 34% of first-time moms consider it the most important factor, compared to only 25.2% of experienced moms.

What mattered most to you when you chose a birth location?  If you’re an experienced mom, what seemed important the first time around that didn’t matter as much the second time?

Related posts:

1. Better Hospitals Have Fewer Birth Complications
2. Birthing Class Philosophy: Not So Important to Women
3. OB/GYN, Midwife, Specialist: Your Prenatal Provider Options