Comparing childbirth in Puerto Rico and New York reveals stark differences in care and costs

The writer recounts moving from Brooklyn to Puerto Rico and later delivering a baby in San Juan, contrasting the experience with her first child's birth in Southampton, New York. In Puerto Rico she struggled to locate an OB-GYN accepting new patients and endured three-hour appointment delays, a symptom of a chronic physician shortage. Hospital necessities—including pillows, blankets, a baby-care kit and even the epidural—had to be bought from the facility’s pharmacy, with the epidural costing $1,000 and requiring separate paperwork.

Room selection involved a menu of private and shared options, the former costing extra but providing meals for the partner, whereas in New York she received a private room automatically and her husband slept on a chair with minimal food. Despite these hurdles, she reports a smooth delivery and overall positive outcome.