MetroHealth Named One of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

CLEVELAND – The MetroHealth System has been named a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, the highest designation possible in the publication's annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ranking.

U.S. News awards the High Performing designation for maternity care as measured by factors such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, birthing-friendly practices and breast milk feeding rates, among other measures. The annual study evaluated about 900 hospitals across the United States.

You can see MetroHealth’s full profile here.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and expertise of our entire maternity care team,” said Donald Wiper, MD, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Every day, our physicians, midwives, nurses and support staff work tirelessly to provide safe, compassionate and evidence-based care for mothers and babies. Being named a High Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and to the families we serve.”

The publication highlighted MetroHealth success at minimizing avoidable cesarean sections: Less than 23.9% of first-time, low-risk pregnancies at full term were delivered by C-section at MetroHealth. Nationally, that figure is 26.6%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also, many pregnant patients who have previously had a C-section choose to try for a vaginal birth instead of another surgical delivery. U.S. News recognized MetroHealth for its strong support of this option. MetroHealth’s VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) rate is 10.9 percentage points higher than the state average.

“Every birth is a shared journey at MetroHealth,” said Clodagh Mullen, MD, Director, Labor and Delivery. “Our patients are part of the team – just like the nurses and other providers. We’re all in this conversation together, each bringing something to the table to make sure it’s the best and safest experience. That’s what makes this place special.”

MetroHealth’s new Birthing Center and NICU opened in 2023 and combines advanced technology with compassionate care in a modern, family-focused setting. Private suites, expert obstetric and neonatal teams and comprehensive services support everything from low-intervention births to high-risk pregnancies.

Also, earlier this year, MetroHealth achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation, demonstrating the System’s commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.