U.S. News & World Report recently released a report on the nation’s best maternity hospitals, writes John George for Philadelphia Business Journal. Two Chester County hospitals rank among the best across the United States.
Jennifer Winston, a health data scientist at U.S. News, said when comparing the top maternity hospitals “showcase exceptional care for expectant parents, demonstrating significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications” when compared to others.
Tower Health’s Phoenixville Hospital and Main Line Health’s Paoli Hospital both received the accolade.
According to U.S. News, determining factors for the annual report include C-section rates in low-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breastfeeding rates, racial and ethnic disparities, and birthing-friendly practices.
Phoenixville and Paoli Hospitals are 47 percent more likely to be “baby-friendly,” meaning the hospital supports breastfeeding. They have C-section rates lower than 22 percent, a 44 percent lower chance of unexpected newborn complications 33 percent lower episiotomy rates, and 12 percent higher breastfeeding rates.
Additionally, they are more likely to report race and ethnicity data.
Read more about the best maternity hospitals in the nation at Philadelphia Business Journal.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in December 2024.
