As I sit here, just a few months away from the birth of my first baby, I find myself thinking about labor more and more often. I’m not only a first-time mom but also new to Kansas City, having moved here from Poland. Choosing where to give birth has been an important part of this journey!
Honestly, it was overwhelming at first, but with a help of friends and after doing some research I’ve made my decision!
If you’re in the same boat and wondering where to give birth in Kansas City – this post will help you navigate your own decision-making process. Let’s dive into the different options for giving birth in Kansas City!
Where to give birth in Kansas City?
Option 1: Hospital
Here’s a guide to some of the best hospitals to consider when planning your birth in Kansas City. Be sure to check out each hospital’s website for more detailed information about their services, childbirth education programs, and maternity care options.
Saint Luke’s is one of the largest and most well-known healthcare providers in the Kansas City metro. Their hospitals offer comprehensive maternity services, including private labor and delivery suites, expert neonatal care, and access to a Level III NICU for high-risk babies. Saint Luke’s hospitals also focus on personalized, family-centered care, helping you create a birth experience that matches your preferences.
Why Choose Saint Luke’s?
- Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Breastfeeding support during your hospital stay and after discharge
- Area’s only Heart Conditions in Pregnancy program, specializing in women with cardiac care needs
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission provides a caring, family-focused environment for your childbirth experience. Their labor and delivery suites are equipped with the latest technology, and the hospital offers a wide range of services from prenatal care to postpartum support. AdventHealth also offers classes on childbirth, infant care, and breastfeeding.
Why Choose AdventHealth Shawnee Mission?
- Personalized care with a focus on family bonding
- Hydrotherapy Whirlpool Pipeless Sanijet tub available on site
- Birth plan assistance with specialized maternity navigators
Research Medical Center offers a full range of maternity services, from prenatal care to labor and delivery. They also provide educational resources to help prepare you for the big day.
Why Choose Research Medical Center?
- Comprehensive midwifery services
- Level III NICU for high-risk pregnancies
- Support for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
Children’s Mercy Hospital – Special Care Delivery
In general, this is a great place for babies who need immediate care from their team of specialists. The hospital is equipped with a Level IV NICU and has specialized teams to care for both mothers and babies during complicated or high-risk pregnancies.
Why Choose Children’s Mercy?
- Renowned for neonatal care with a Level IV NICU
- Focus on family-centered, safe childbirth experiences
- Expert care for high-risk pregnancies and deliveries
Located in Liberty, Missouri, just north of Kansas City, Liberty Hospital offers maternity care in a more intimate, community-focused setting. Their Family Birth Center provides private labor and delivery rooms, breastfeeding support, and the option for rooming-in so that you and your baby can bond right from the start.
Why Choose Liberty Hospital?
- Free boarding program for moms discharged before the baby
- Breastfeeding support and prenatal classes
- Personalized labor and delivery options
North Kansas City Hospital’s Family Birth Center provides a welcoming, home-like environment for your delivery. They focus on making your birth experience as comfortable as possible with amenities like private rooms, natural birth options, and the support of experienced labor and delivery nurses.
Why Choose North Kansas City Hospital?
- Level III NICU for high-risk pregnancies
- Maternity nurse navigator to assist a mom throughout labor and delivery
- Access to a spa room after delivery, with low, relaxing lighting and a large tub
University of Kansas Health System (KU)
The University of Kansas Health System offers some of the most advanced maternity care in the region. KU’s labor and delivery unit is known for its high-quality care, including options for low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. The hospital also has a Level III NICU, ensuring that your baby will be in expert hands if any complications arise during birth.
Why Choose KU?
- Advanced medical care with a Level III NICU
- Support for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
- Midwifery and doula participation
Olathe Health offers a welcoming, family-centered environment with modern facilities for delivering your baby. Their Maternity Center focuses on providing personalized care in a beautiful, relaxing setting. Olathe Health also offers prenatal and childbirth education to help you prepare for a confident and positive birth experience.
Why Choose Olathe Health?
- Spacious, private rooms that feel like a hotel
- Level II NICU
- On-site lactation consultants and postpartum support
Overland Park Regional Medical Center
Overland Park Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive maternity services, including private delivery rooms and a Level III NICU for babies who require specialized care. The hospital also provides the option for water births, as well as the support of certified midwives and doulas to guide you through your birth experience.
Why Choose Overland Park Regional?
- Full-service maternity care with a Level III NICU
- Jacuzzi tubs for relaxation during labor
- npatient care in the region’s only antepartum unit for women who require extra care before labor and delivery
University Health (formerly Truman Medical Centers)
University Health offers compassionate and high-quality care for expectant families. The hospital’s Maternity Services Department provides a range of birthing options, from natural births to epidurals. University Health is also known for its strong support system, with lactation consultants and postpartum care designed to help parents navigate the early days with their newborn.
Why Choose University Health?
- Full-service maternity care with a Level III NICU
- Childbirth and new parent classes
- Lactation and postpartum support
After your baby is born, don’t forget to document these precious early moments with a professional newborn photography session. Certainly, I’d love to be considered as your Kansas City newborn photographer!
Option 2: Home Birth
Kansas City Midwives Who Can Help
For those who prefer the comfort and intimacy of their own home for the birth of their baby, Kansas City also has experienced midwives who specialize in home births. Home births are becoming increasingly popular among families who want a more natural birth experience with personalized care in a familiar setting. These midwives are trained to handle low-risk births, and many offer services that include prenatal care, birth assistance, and postpartum support (if you’re a midwife, but you’re not on this list – please email me, and I’ll gladly add you!).
- Midwife KC
- Glory Birth
- Sacred Song
- KC Homebirth
- Home Born Midwife
- Fruitful Vine Midwifery KC
- Midwife Partners Homebirth
- Dreaming Tree Womens Care
- Natural Birth KC
- Arise Birth
- Rachel Williston
- No Place Like Home Birth
- Empowered Womens Care
- Labored with Love
Option 3: Birthing Center
Lastly, another option is to give birth at a birthing center. A birthing center is a healthcare facility that provides a home-like setting for low-risk pregnancies. Birth centers are designed to support a natural, physiological birth.
Sadly, the only Kansas City Birthing Center (New Birth Company) closed on September 1, 2024.
With the closing of New Birth Company, Blossom Midwifery has emerged. This new practice brings together the midwives from New Birth Company, offering homebirth and water birth services in the Kansas City area.
The closest birthing centers to Kansas City at the moment are:
*December 2024 update: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is moving to take away Immanuel Birth Co.’s license. Immanuel stated they will appeal the decision.
You can sign a petition to save the center: https://www.change.org/p/save-immanuel-birthing-co-our-sole-birthing-center-option-in-topeka.
I hope you found this post helpful! To conclude, remember, no matter what you choose, knowing where to give birth in Kansas City is an important step toward creating the birth experience that’s right for you and your growing family. Above all, you and your baby deserve to feel safe and supported!
Are you an expecting parent looking for a Kansas City newborn photographer?
The best time to book your Kansas City newborn photography session is as soon as you have a due date!
Click here to see more of my Kansas City Newborn Photography.
If you’re ready to book me as your Kansas City newborn photographer, reach out today to schedule a session that fits your timeline and preferences! Your baby’s first memories deserve to be beautifully captured!
You may also like:
Ania Casanova is a Kansas City newborn photographer based in Brookside, Missouri, and serves the surrounding areas, including The Plaza, The Crossroads, Leawood, Prairie Village, Overland Park, Shawnee, Mission Hills, Shawnee Mission, and the greater Kansas City area, such as Lee’s Summit and Independence. To ensure you secure your spot, it’s best to reach out and book at least 2 months before your baby is born. However, it’s always a good idea to check for any last-minute availability so you don’t miss the opportunity for those special baby photos!