These are the 5 Worst States for Giving Birth

When considering where to start a family, there are lots of factors to take into consideration. But some of the most important aspects are often overlooked. Yes, it’s important to think about where the baby-to-be will learn their ABC’s, but elements like living expenses and care are also extremely important factors that should be considered. 

WalletHub ranked the best and worst states in America in which to give birth by considering costs, health care access, baby-friendliness, and family-friendliness. 

Measures of cost included hospital delivery charges, average cost of early child care, and average health-insurance premiums among other factors. The most expensive places were Massachusetts and D.C., followed by Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.

But where are the overall worst places to give birth? Here's the ranking: 

5. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has the least pediatricians and family doctors per capita, putting it at the 5th worst place to have a baby. 

4. Louisiana

Louisiana lags behind most of the country in total number of pediatricians, family doctors, midwives, and OBGYNs. It also has a higher than average infant mortality rate. 

3. South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the least baby-friendly states, lagging behind the rest of the country in parental leave policies, child care centers, and mom groups. 

2. Alabama

Alabama has the highest infant mortality rate in the United States, making it one of the most dangerous places in the country to have kids. 

1. Mississippi

Mississippi has some of the worst healthcare and educational infrastructure in the country, making it the worst state in the country to have kids. 

But don't worry – there are some states with redeeming factors. These are the 5 best places to give birth:

5. North Dakota

North Dakota is the second least expensive state to have kids, but still boasts family-friendly policies, an above-standard education system, and above average healthcare availability. 

4.  New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the cheapest places to have kids, while retaining great healthcare and education opportunities. Sounds like a win-win. 

3. Minnesota

Minnesota has great healthcare and education systems, while also having some of the most baby-friendly policies – like paid parental leave, accessible child care, and parent support groups. 

2. Massachusetts

Massachusetts has some of the best educational and healthcare infrastructure in the country, while retaining average cost. That's a winning combo, landing the state at #2. 

1. Vermont

Vermont has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country, while also boasting the most child care centers, pediatricians, and family doctors per capita. 

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Kayla Heisler is an essayist and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. She is a contributing writer for Color My Bubble. Her work appears in New York's Best Emerging Poets anthology.