Baptist Health Louisville Has Earned a High Performing Rating in US News and World Report

[LOUISVILLE, Ky.] Dec. 11, 2024 - Baptist Health Louisville has earned a High Performing rating, the highest possible, in US News & World Report 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. 

Just half of the more than 8B00 hospitals evaluated for the 2025 ratings edition have been named Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

Hospitals rated “Best” for Maternity Care by U.S. News:

• Are 47% more likely to be designated as “Baby-Friendly” by Baby Friendly USA, indicating a hospital has taken important steps to support breastfeeding.
• Have C-section rates 22% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Have severe unexpected newborn complication rates 44% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Have episiotomy rates 33% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Have breast milk feeding rates 12% higher compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
• Are 13% more likely to report race/ethnicity data for both C-section and severe unexpected newborn complications compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

“We are tremendously proud of our team of providers, clinicians, and essential team members whom all play an important role in contributing to outstanding patient experiences and outcomes,” said Meg Scheaffel, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health Louisville. “It’s an honor to support these dynamic, passionate, and talented individuals, who strive to meet and exceed our mission every day.”

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. 

For the 2025 edition, 817 hospitals, an all-time high, submitted maternity data for evaluation. These public ratings assist expectant parents, in consultation with their doctors, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care for uncomplicated births.

"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,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “High-performing hospitals showcase exceptional care for expectant parents, demonstrating significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.”

You can read the full reports at US News and World Report here: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/hospital-ratings/maternity