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U.S. News & World Report Unveils 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

On December 10, 2024, U.S. News & World Report announced the highly anticipated 2025 rankings for the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. This comprehensive evaluation serves as an invaluable tool for expectant parents looking for reliable maternity services at healthcare facilities across the nation.

For the 2025 edition, an unprecedented 817 hospitals submitted their maternity care data, reflecting a growing commitment to excellence in maternity services. Out of these, only half achieved the esteemed designation of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Since initiating their evaluations in 2021, U.S. News has provided expectant parents with crucial information to guide their choices for safe and effective maternity care.

Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., a health data scientist at U.S. News, commented, "With a record-breaking number of hospitals evaluated, U.S. News' 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings represent the most comprehensive resource yet for expectant parents." The report highlights that these recognized hospitals exhibit significantly lower rates of C-sections and fewer severe unexpected newborn complications when compared to other facilities not recognized by U.S. News.

Achievements of the Top-Rated Hospitals

Hospitals designated as the Best for Maternity Care have shown outstanding measures of quality, including:

• - Lower C-section Rates: These hospitals boast C-section rates that are 22% lower than those not recognized by U.S. News.
• - Reduced Complications: The severe unexpected newborn complication rates in these hospitals are 44% lower than those found in other facilities.
• - Support for Breastfeeding: Best Hospitals for Maternity Care are 47% more likely to receive a “Baby-Friendly” designation from Baby Friendly USA, demonstrating a strong commitment to breastfeeding initiatives.
• - Lower Episiotomy Rates: They also report episiotomy rates that are 33% lower, indicating a more conservative approach to interventions during childbirth.
• - Higher Breast Milk Feeding Rates: Exclusive breastfeeding support in these hospitals is reflected in their breast milk feeding rates, which are 12% higher than in other hospitals.

In addition to focusing on maternity care quality, the 2025 ratings recognize hospitals that serve underserved communities. The Maternity Care Access Hospital designation is awarded to facilities that play critical roles in preventing maternity care deserts, ensuring continued access to maternity services. This year, 118 hospitals were designated as Maternity Care Access Hospitals, indicating their vital contribution to community health.

Geographic Distribution

The rankings indicate that the following metropolitan areas have the greatest concentration of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in the United States:

• - Chicago
• - Dallas-Fort Worth
• - Denver
• - Detroit
• - Los Angeles
• - New York
• - Philadelphia
• - Riverside-San Bernardino
• - San Francisco
• - Seattle

These cities showcase a blend of healthcare facilities that excel in providing quality maternity care services, making it essential for parents to consider these areas when seeking childbirth options.

Methodology for Evaluation

U.S. News employs a rigorous methodology based entirely on objective quality measures, such as C-section rates, newborn complication rates, and breastfeeding practices. The scoring methodology for the 2025 rankings has been refined to place greater emphasis on racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, as well as birthing-friendly practices, ensuring a holistic view of the maternity care landscape.

Expectant parents can learn more about local hospitals and their maternity-related programs by visiting health.usnews.com, providing them with the necessary information for making informed decisions regarding childbirth.

For further details, including updates and insights, visit the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care page, and engage with the findings across social media using #BestMaternityHospitals.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report has long been a trusted source for consumer information, helping individuals make informed decisions regarding healthcare, education, and various aspects of their lives. With nearly a century of experience, the publication is devoted to providing accurate rankings and analysis aimed at empowering the community.