Five NYC Health + Hospitals Recognized for Maternity Care
NYC Health + Hospitals recently announced that five of its hospitals have been honored as the 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. The recognized institutions are Elmhurst, Kings County, Lincoln, South Brooklyn Health, and Woodhull.
Each year, around 15,000 babies are born at NYC Health + Hospitals. The assessment involved evaluating 817 hospitals across the U.S. Only about half were acknowledged for their quality in maternity care. The criteria focused on key measures like C-section rates, complications in newborns, and support for breastfeeding.
Dr. Wendy Wilcox, the Chief Women’s Health Officer, expressed pride in this recognition. “This shows how well our teams collaborate to provide equitable care, especially considering the unique challenges some patients face,” she said. This collaboration is crucial as maternal care teams work to ensure every new parent receives the best possible support.
Dr. Jennifer Winston, a health data scientist at U.S. News, emphasized how important it is for expectant parents to choose the right hospital. “Families can compare outcomes and support services to find the best fit,” she noted. Factors such as the avoidance of unnecessary C-sections and strong support for vaginal births after cesareans are essential for informed decision-making.
All five hospitals have notable achievements in minimizing C-section rates and promoting safe vaginal deliveries. While C-sections are sometimes necessary, they bring risks that can complicate future pregnancies.
A recent analysis published in the *American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology* found that cesarean deliveries, while often lifesaving, have been on the rise. In 2021, nearly 32% of U.S. births were via C-section. This makes the focus on reducing C-sections at these NYC hospitals even more significant.
Additionally, all 11 acute care facilities within NYC Health + Hospitals are recognized as Baby-Friendly hospitals, which are committed to promoting breastfeeding. This is important because breastfeeding benefits infants by lowering the risk of various health problems, including asthma and obesity. It also supports maternal health, reducing risks of certain cancers and diabetes.
Every year, NYC Health + Hospitals serves over a million patients, especially in underserved communities. With services ranging from primary care to specialized maternal health, the system aims to support families through every stage of care. Beyond maternity, they also offer comprehensive gynecologic services tailored to women’s health needs.
This recent recognition by U.S. News reflects not just the hospitals’ standards in care but also their dedication to patient-centered practices, fostering healthier communities in New York City.
