WakeMed Named Among the Nation’s Best Maternity Hospitals

U.S. News & World Report recognizes WakeMed as ‘High Performing’ in maternity care

RALEIGH, N.C. (December 10, 2024) – WakeMed has been named among the best hospitals for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report, a leader in quality rankings. WakeMed Cary Hospital, WakeMed North Hospital, and WakeMed Raleigh Campus all earned High Performing designations—the highest ranking a hospital can earn—for U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy).

WakeMed earned High Performing designations in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as newborn complications and c-section rates as well as quality of care for outcomes, process, and structure. Data from WakeMed Raleigh Campus and WakeMed North Hospital, which operates under the Raleigh Campus license, were combined for this performance ranking.

WakeMed delivers more babies than any other health system in Wake County. With nearly 10,000 births reported during its 2024 fiscal year, a new kindergarten class is born within the WakeMed system every day.

The annual evaluation is designed to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their doctors, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care. U.S. News evaluated over 650 hospitals that provide high-quality labor & delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies for this year’s list.

“More than anything, this award recognizes the WakeMed team’s deep commitment to delivering the best possible experience for every mother, baby, and family. We are proud of their work and proud to keep serving the moms and families of Wake County and beyond,” said Dr. Seth Brody, WakeMed Executive Vice President & Chief Physician Executive and practicing OB-GYN physician.

The WakeMed system consistently meets and exceeds nationally established quality-focused criteria that emphasize patient safety, positive outcomes, and exceptional care. WakeMed has one of the lowest C-section rates in the U.S. and was the first hospital in Wake County to incorporate the concept of single-room care in a NICU setting.

WakeMed’s three hospitals were also among a select group recognized in 2024 for success in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, all three WakeMed hospitals received four star Breastfeeding Friendly designation from the NC Department of Public Health. WakeMed was recently named the best place to have a baby in the Triangle by the News & Observer's 2024 Raleigh's BEST awards.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates, among other measures. For more information, visit Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 1,003-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 165 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes nearly 12,000 employees, 1,200 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 800 physicians and advanced practice providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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For Additional Information:
Kristin Kelly
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
919-350-5921
krkelly@wakemed.org