U.S. News World Report has named UH Geauga Medical Center a High Performing hospital in Maternity Care for 2026. This designation – the highest possible recognition in the annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings – highlights the hospital’s exceptional outcomes and commitment to safe, evidence-based care for expectant families, according to a University Hospitals news release. Now in its fifth year, the U.S. News maternity care evaluation assesses hospitals providing labor and delivery services and voluntarily submit comprehensive clinical data. For the 2026 rankings, approximately 900 hospitals nationwide participated. The ratings are designed to help expectant parents, in partnership with their prenatal care providers, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services based on quality and safety. UH Geauga Medical Center earned its High Performing rating based on strong performance across multiple measures, including low C-section rates among lower-risk pregnancies, low rates of unexpected newborn complications, high exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and the implementation of birthing-friendly practices, the release stated. “Being recognized as a High Performing hospital for maternity care is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the families we serve,” Dr. Stephanie Teal, chair of obstetrics and gynecology and obstetrician/gynecologist-in-chief, stated in the release. “Every birth is a profound moment, and the labor and delivery team works tirelessly to ensure parents feel supported, informed, and safe from the moment they arrive through the first hours of life with their newborn. “This recognition from U.S. News affirms the exceptional care we strive to deliver every single day.” UH Geauga Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals, offers family-centered childbirth through a single-room maternity care model. This approach allows mothers and families to remain in one private, comfortable room throughout labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care. The unit also includes surgical suites for C-sections and higher-risk deliveries. “Receiving this recognition is truly an honor for our entire Labor Delivery team,” Dr. Natalina Andreani, medical director of labor and delivery at UH Geauga, stated in the release. “Every day, we have the privilege of caring for moms and babies during one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Our team’s commitment to safety, compassion, and personalized care is at the heart of everything we do.” ...read more read less