University of Utah

I don't have any experience with the University hospital, but I do know that they have undergone big updates lately, so when you're getting advice, make sure it's recent. I've heard some not good things about it, but it was all before the recent changes, so things may be different now. I do have an amazing OB to recommend, though. He's just an amazingly gifted surgeon & deliverer of children. Of the 10+ women I know who have had him deliver their kids, only 1 had a tiny episiotomy with one kid. The others (including my 3 kids - one of which was almost 9 pounds & I'm tiny) had no rips or snips of any kind. He has an incredible delivery method & a great bedside manner. Now that I've been to him, I wouldn't have anyone else deliver my babies. My other friends who have gone to him feel the same way. His name is Stephen Voss - his office is at 850 E 300 S. If he's in your network, you really should consider going to him. At one point, he was delivering at University, but I'm not sure if he still does.

My husband used to work for the U of U. Our insurance covered more than just UUHN (I believe we were with Blue Cross). We would get big discounts at the U hospital, but I delivered all my babies at St Marks Hospital (3900 S 1300 E), we were with the U for two of the three. My OB is Vernon Yamashiro, with OB/GYN associates (right across the street from St Marks) and he's worked well with the insurance.

Granted, this was a while ago (my youngest is now 6 1/2) and my husband left the U about 3 years ago, so there may be some changes. Check with your insurance to see what all your options are; chances are they will work with several different hospitals.
Also, talk to the hospital directly. A few things to ask are: should you expect to have students/residents involved and how much of a say do you have in it (keep in mind, it is a teaching hospital, that is how they get govt funding so you may not have a say), if you will have your own doctor or one on call, if your pediatrician will see the baby there (talk to your pediatrician, too, and see if they recommend someone who will be there), and if you will have a private room for post-partum or if they are shared.

I do know that the hospital does strive for excellence. They are one of the top trauma centers in the west. They have to meet government standards to keep their funding. So they are not a lousy hospital. On the other hand, as a govt funded hospital they have to work with medicare and uninsured, and they have medical students and interns and residents who work directly with the patients (all of which may make some people less comfortable). Just some things to look at. :)

The one person I talked to who delivered at UofU said she didn't get any rest until she left because there were constantly drs., nurses, and students coming in because it's a teaching hospital.
I recommend St. Marks as the go to hospital. Really nice nurses, great nursery, big rooms, and QUIET:)
I also love my ob/gyn. He's older and quirky, but the reason I love him is because he was so attentive and is an excellent surgeon (I have to have c-sections and I've healed so much better after his work than with other docs.). I don't know how he is on normal births, though. His office is in the womens center at St. Marks. His name is Stephen Lamb and he is with the Millcreek Women's Center. It was really nice to have all my appointments and delivery in the same building so I could get familiar with everything.
Good luck finding what you want!

I had my baby at the U of U but it was before their updates so I don't know about their facilities. One thing they used to do (and may still) is provide a suite for employees if available. You may want to ask about that.

My stay was fine. I had issues because my doctor left the week before I delivered so that was frustrating. I loved my delivery nurse. The other facilities were fine. I wouldn't classify it as amazing but I don't have anything else to compare it to.

I had my twins up at UofU. It was a complicated pregnancy and I had a perinatologist instead of an OB. Dr. Draper. He was fantastic.

I've also delivered at St. Mark's with a midwife who worked in the women's center.

I liked both.

If you don't want students to check on you, say 'No' when they ask if it's OK.

the twins were C-section.

I'd advise going with someone close to your house - it's a lot of appointments and towards the end you won't feel like traveling.

I have found saint marks on 3900 South and 13th east is wonderful for deleving babies. I use the millcreek womens center for the obgyn with Doctor Steven Lamb. All the doctors in that office are wonderful. I had both of my babies at Saint Marks the first having major complications and I felt the staff, doctors, and facility was wonderful. Hope that helps.