In this episode of MaternalRx, Danielle Plummer interviews Dr. Jennifer Winston, a healthcare analyst who evaluated data from over 800 hospitals to identify the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Learn about the metrics that distinguish top-performing hospitals, from fewer severe unexpected newborn complications and lower C-section rates to higher breastfeeding support, new data highlighting racial and ethnic equity in maternity care and much else!
Key Highlights:
Best Hospitals for Maternity Care:
47% more likely to be designated as “Baby-Friendly.”
22% lower C-section rates.
44% fewer severe unexpected newborn complications.
33% lower episiotomy rates.
12% higher breastfeeding rates.
13% more likely to report race/ethnicity data.
Access Hospitals:
Vital in preventing maternity care deserts.
Average distance from other maternity hospitals is 16+ miles.
38% located in the South and 30% in the Midwest.
Maternity Care Equity:
Only 160 hospitals met benchmarks for nonwhite newborn populations reflective of their communities.
Dr. Winston also discusses how parents can use this information to choose the best hospital for their needs, why community representation matters in healthcare, and how hospitals can participate in future evaluations.
Episode Breakdown:
Introduction and disclaimers.
Dr. Jennifer Winston’s biography.
How U.S. News determines the “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.”
Advice for expectant parents using hospital ratings for hospital decisions.
Defining access hospitals and their role in equity.
What’s new in the 2025 study results?
Community pride in recognized hospitals.
Importance of patient population data reflecting the community.
Maternity care access hospital results.
How hospitals can participate in future studies.
Becoming a data health scientist.
Resources:
U.S. News & World Report: 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care
Email: maternity@usnews.com
Connect with Danielle:
Email: info@hgpharmacist.com
LinkedIn: Danielle Plummer
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