New parents have a lot to think about, and choosing a place to give birth tops that list. There’s so much to think about, but where do you even begin collecting the information you need to make an informed choice about where to give birth? A new website called ExpectNY hopes to make the process a little easier on expectant parents in New York City and on Long Island.
The online destination, launched by Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH), the New York-based employer-led coalition on healthcare, will provide information from more than 50 local hospitals about maternal quality measures and other factors that can impact a mother’s childbirth experience, her health, and the health of her newborn baby.
On ExpectNY users can search for a hospital’s rates for C-Sections, VBACs (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean), inductions, episiotomies, breastfeeding, and other factors helpful for expectant mothers to understand when planning to give birth.
“Making hospital maternity metrics transparent and easily accessible is one way to ensure that expectant mothers have a great birth experience,” said David Sandman, Ph.D., President and CEO of New York State Health Foundation, which awarded NEBGH a grant to create the website. “ExpectNY is an important addition to the consumer health care decision-making toolbox, helping expectant parents make informed choices about where to seek prenatal and delivery care, and giving them peace of mind to fully focus on welcoming the newest member of their family.”
