For a C-section (Cesarean Delivery) in San Diego, California, several hospitals are recognized for their quality, safety, and experienced care. Here are the top recommendations based on success rates, affordability, and patient experience:
- UC San Diego Health (Jacobs Medical Center & Hillcrest Medical Center)
Recognition & Quality:
Consistently rated as a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, the highest award for obstetric and infant care in the region.
On the C-Section Honor Roll for meeting statewide targets for low C-section rates in low-risk, first-time mothers.
Best hospital system in San Diego, with high standards for safety, breastfeeding support, and outcomes.
Facilities:
Two birthing locations: Jacobs Medical Center (La Jolla) and Hillcrest Medical Center.
Both have NICUs (Level III at Jacobs, Level II at Hillcrest).
Offers both holistic and traditional labor/delivery settings, with free volunteer doula program and nationally recognized breastfeeding support.
Patient Experience:
More than 85% of babies are exclusively breastfed during their stay.
Large staff of physicians, midwives, and high-risk specialists.
Approximately 5,000 deliveries per year; transparent about C-section rates and outcomes.
- Scripps Health (La Jolla, Encinitas, Mercy San Diego)
Recognition & Quality:
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas have the lowest C-section rates in San Diego County, meeting or surpassing the federal target of 23.9% for low-risk pregnancies.
Scripps La Jolla also highly rated, with modern facilities and excellent patient reviews.
Facilities:
Private postpartum rooms, holistic birth plan support, certified nurse-midwives, and lactation consultants.
NICU and postpartum care at all locations.
Warm, supportive environment with options for guided tours and birth planning.
Patient Experience:
Consistently positive feedback for Scripps Encinitas and La Jolla for comfort, staff, and outcomes.
Recognized for low intervention rates and excellent maternal-newborn outcomes.
- Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns
Recognition & Quality:
Dedicated exclusively to women’s and newborns' health; one of the leading maternity hospitals in Southern California.
Known for comprehensive maternity care, including high-risk and C-section deliveries.
Facilities:
Private, spacious suites, advanced labor and delivery technology, and 24/7 OB/GYN and neonatal care.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists for high-risk pregnancies.
Patient Experience:
Personalized care for all birth plans, including C-section.
Highly rated for both standard and complex deliveries.
San Diego C-Section Rates: What to Know
UC San Diego Health and Scripps Mercy/Encinitas are the only hospitals in the county consistently below the national target for C-section rates in low-risk pregnancies, indicating a strong commitment to evidence-based, safe care.
Sharp Mary Birch and Scripps La Jolla have higher C-section rates but are still recognized for quality, especially for complex or high-risk births.
Summary Table
Hospital C-Section Success/Recognition Noted For
UC San Diego Health (Jacobs, Hillcrest) C-Section Honor Roll, High Performing Best outcomes, low C-section rates, NICU, holistic/traditional options
Scripps Mercy & Encinitas Lowest C-section rates in county Private rooms, midwife options, top patient reviews
Scripps La Jolla Modern, highly rated Holistic support, strong outcomes
Sharp Mary Birch Leading maternity hospital High-risk/complex care, personalized suites
How to Proceed
Contact the hospital’s maternity department for a tour, consultation, and cost estimate.
Discuss your birth plan and C-section needs with their OB/GYN team.
Ask about insurance coverage, financial assistance, and support services (lactation, doulas, postpartum care).
Consider Scripps Mercy, Scripps Encinitas, or UC San Diego Health if you prioritize lower C-section rates and high success outcomes.
In summary:
For a C-section in San Diego, UC San Diego Health (Jacobs Medical Center or Hillcrest) and Scripps Mercy or Encinitas are top choices for affordability, safety, and excellent outcomes. All provide experienced care, modern facilities, and strong support for mothers and babies.