Choosing where to have your baby is a big decision. And if you’re searching for the best hospitals to give birth in the Twin Cities, you’ve probably realized there are quite a few options.
Maybe you’re wondering which hospital is closest to home. Or you’re looking for a birth center that fits your plans. Either way, there’s a lot to think about (on top of everything else that comes with having a baby).
The right hospital depends on your medical needs, your care team, and what matters most to your family.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a guide to 10 Twin Cities maternity hospitals, along with a few questions to ask before your baby’s big arrival.
Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a Minneapolis newborn and family photographer and a mom of three. I love capturing the real, fleeting moments of family life, from the sweet anticipation of pregnancy to those first hours with a brand-new baby. If you’re expecting, I’d love to help you remember this season through my maternity photography and Fresh 48 photography sessions .
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Delivery?
Before comparing Twin Cities labor and delivery hospitals, think about what matters most to you.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Does your OB-GYN or midwife deliver there?
- How far is the hospital from home?
- What support is available if you or your baby need extra care?
- What pain management options and labor support does the hospital offer?
- Is the hospital in your network?
- What feeding and recovery support is available after delivery?
Your care provider can help you find a hospital that meets your medical needs.
And if you can, schedule a hospital tour. Seeing the space and asking questions can help you feel more prepared when the big day arrives.
What Are The Best Hospitals to Give Birth in the Twin Cities?
There are several hospitals with birthing centers in Minnesota, including options throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs.
I’ve gathered 10 Twin Cities hospitals to help you explore your options. They’re organized by location rather than ranked, since the right choice will look different for every family.
1. The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Minnesota | Minneapolis
Located in Minneapolis, The Mother Baby Center offers labor and delivery services, postpartum care, and access to newborn specialists through its partnership with Children’s Minnesota.
You can explore the facility through a virtual or in-person tour.
Photo Credit: The Mother Baby Center
2. M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital | Edina
As one of the best hospitals to give birth in The Twin Cities, M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital is an option for families in Edina, Minneapolis, and the western suburbs.
If Southdale is on your list, ask your care provider about its current maternity services, newborn care, and hospital tour options.
Photo Credit: M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital
3. Methodist Hospital Family Birth Center | St. Louis Park
Methodist Hospital’s Family Birth Center offers labor and delivery care in St. Louis Park.
Its services include OB-GYNs, midwives, pain management options, and water birthing suites. The hospital also offers childbirth and new-parent education.
Photo Credit: Methodist Hospital
4. Hennepin Healthcare Birth Center | Minneapolis
Hennepin Healthcare’s Birth Center offers maternity care at its Birth Center in downtown Minneapolis.
If you’re considering this location, ask about its labor and delivery team, newborn care, and the services available for your specific medical needs.
Photo Credit: Hennepin Healthcare Birth Center
5. Maple Grove Hospital Family Birth Center | Maple Grove
For families in the northwest suburbs, Maple Grove Hospital’s Family Birth Center offers labor and delivery services, childbirth education, hospital tours, and online pre-registration.
The hospital recommends completing pre-registration six weeks before your due date (one more thing to cross off your pregnancy checklist).
Photo Credit: Maple Grove Hospital Family Birth Center
6. Regions Hospital Family Birth Center | St. Paul
One of the best hospitals to give birth in The Twin Cities, Regions Hospital’s Family Birth Center offers labor and delivery services in downtown St. Paul.
Its Family Birth Center includes water birthing suites, postpartum rooms, and a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). You can also explore the space through a virtual tour.
Photo Credit: Health Partners Park Nicollet
7. The Mother Baby Center at United and Children’s Minnesota | St. Paul
Located in St. Paul, The Mother Baby Center at United and Children’s Minnesota provides maternity care through United Hospital, with newborn care resources from Children’s Minnesota.
Its website offers information about birth services, hospital tours, and finding a pregnancy care provider.
Photo Credit: The Mother Baby Center
8. The Mother Baby Center at Mercy with Children’s Minnesota | Coon Rapids
For families in the northern Twin Cities suburbs, The Mother Baby Center at Mercy offers another maternity care option.
Located in Coon Rapids, it’s part of The Mother Baby Center network, which works with Children’s Minnesota to provide newborn care resources.
Photo Credit: The Mother Baby Center
9. M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital | Woodbury
M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, one of the best hospitals to give birth in The Twin Cities, offers maternity care through its Birthplace in Woodbury.
If you live in the eastern suburbs, ask about its labor and delivery services, available birth options, and postpartum support.
Photo Credit: M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital
10. M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital | Burnsville
The Birthplace at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital serves families in Burnsville and the southern suburbs.
Its maternity services include labor support tools, pain relief options, lactation support, private rooms, and neonatal intensive care. The hospital also offers a virtual tour.
Photo Credit: M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital
What Should You Ask about Hospital Photography?
If you’re hoping to have photos taken after delivery, add a few questions to your hospital tour checklist.
- Are outside photographers allowed in postpartum rooms?
- Are there visiting hours or restrictions I should know about?
- Can my older children visit and be included in photos?
- Are there any special rules for photography after a C-section or during a NICU stay?
Hospital photography policies can vary. Check with your chosen hospital before booking a session.
How Can You Remember Your Baby’s First 48 Hours?
You’ve chosen your hospital, packed the tiniest outfits known to humankind, and probably spent more time researching baby monitors than you’d care to admit.
But have you thought about how you’ll remember those first hours after your baby arrives?
The tiny hospital bracelet. The sleepy stretches. The way your partner looks at your baby when they think nobody’s watching.
Those are the moments I love capturing during my Fresh 48 photography sessions.
I come to your hospital during your baby’s first day or two and spend about 30 minutes documenting your family just as you are.
No fancy outfits. No perfect poses. No pressure to look like you didn’t just have a baby (because, well, you did).
Just your family, your brand-new baby, and all those little moments that will feel so far away someday.
When should you book your Fresh 48 session?
I recommend reaching out during pregnancy so we can plan around your due date and delivery location.
If you’re looking for Fresh 48 photography in Minneapolis or the surrounding Twin Cities, you can explore my Fresh 48 photography experience or contact me to start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Hospitals to Give Birth in the Twin Cities
Do Twin Cities hospitals offer private postpartum rooms?
Yes. Several of the best hospitals to give birth in the Twin Cities offer private postpartum rooms, including Methodist Hospital and Regions Hospital.
Check with your preferred hospital about room arrangements and what to expect during your stay.
Can I have Fresh 48 photos after a C-section?
Yes, as long as you’re feeling up to it and your medical team approves.
Your recovery and your baby’s care always come first. We can plan your session around how you’re feeling and what works for your family.
Finding the Right Hospital for Your Family
Choosing among the best hospitals to give birth in the Twin Cities takes a little research, but you don’t have to figure everything out at once.
Start with your care provider, explore the hospitals that meet your needs, and ask the questions that matter most to you.
And once you’ve made your plans, remember to leave a little room for the unexpected.
Your baby’s first days might include sleepy snuggles, happy tears, and a whole lot of figuring things out together.
I’d love to help you remember them.
If you’re expecting a baby in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, or the surrounding Twin Cities, reach out to book your Fresh 48 photography session .
And if you’re looking for a little extra help as you prepare for baby’s arrival, I’ve put together a Minneapolis Pregnancy and Postpartum Resource for Moms filled with helpful local resources to support you through pregnancy and those early days of motherhood.
Want more motherhood tips, local resources, and little reminders to slow down and soak up the good stuff (even when life feels a little chaotic)? Sign up for my newsletter and let’s stay connected!
I can’t wait to help you remember the beginning of your family’s next chapter, just as it happens.
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