SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 10, 2025 – For expectant parents, choosing where to give birth is one of the biggest decisions they make—and a new milestone from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford offers extra peace of mind.
Five years of ‘high performing’ maternity care
For the fifth year in a row, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has received the prestigious “High Performing” designation for maternity care from U.S. News & World Report. Fewer than half of the more than 800 U.S. hospitals evaluated earn this rating, which is reserved for hospitals that deliver outstanding care for uncomplicated pregnancies and births.
The recognition highlights the work of the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, where teams specialize in labor and delivery for expectant parents who want both safety and a supportive birth experience. U.S. News evaluates hospitals on key measures such as C-section rates, early elective deliveries, newborn complications, breastfeeding support, and the availability of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
What this means for parents-to-be
Awards are reassuring, but for families walking into a labor and delivery unit, what really matters is how they’ll be cared for in the moment. This is where Packard Children’s long track record plays a big role: year after year, the hospital is recognized nationally as one of the best children’s hospitals and as a leader in maternity care.
“This recognition for the fifth consecutive year is a testament to the deep dedication and the unparalleled expertise of our team, which works tirelessly to improve outcomes and the well-being of mothers and families in our community,” said Dr. Yasser El-Sayed, chief of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics at Stanford Medicine and Ford Family Endowed Chief Obstetrician at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. “This award highlights the trust that our community places in us and recognizes our ongoing efforts to provide compassionate and innovative care. At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, we are proud to be a benchmark of excellence in maternity services and we continuously adapt and grow to meet the needs of our patients.”
For parents, that translates into evidence-based care, strong safety standards, and an environment that supports bonding, breastfeeding and recovery in the crucial first days of a baby’s life.
How U.S. News helps families compare hospitals
Planning a birth can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. The U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Maternity rankings give families a starting point when comparing hospitals.
The ratings look at:
- Outcomes for mothers and babies, including complications and infection rates
- Use of best practices, such as avoiding unnecessary early inductions or C-sections
- Availability of key services and amenities, from VBAC support to childbirth classes
Because the methodology factors in both clinical quality and patient safety, families can see at a glance which hospitals consistently meet high standards—and which ones stand out year after year, like Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.
Mini FAQ: Choosing a hospital for your birth
How do I know if a hospital is strong in maternity care?
Look for independent ratings like U.S. News “High Performing” for maternity, ask about C-section rates, breastfeeding support, and whether the hospital offers VBAC if that’s important to you.
Why does a children’s hospital matter for maternity care?
When maternity services are integrated with a leading children’s hospital, parents gain access to specialized teams and neonatal care if a baby needs extra support after birth.
Are these rankings only for high-risk pregnancies?
No. The U.S. News maternity ratings focus on uncomplicated pregnancies, but the underlying standards—safety, outcomes, and best practices—benefit all families.
Beyond birth: a long-term partner in family health
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, anchored by Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, is the largest health system in the Bay Area dedicated exclusively to children and pregnant women. With more than 65 locations in Northern California and over 85 sites across the western United States, it supports families well beyond labor and delivery—from prenatal visits through childhood and adolescence.
As a nonprofit organization, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health also invests in community outreach and ensures that families receive needed care regardless of their ability to pay. For many parents, that combination of world-class clinical expertise and a strong community mission is exactly what they want in a birth partner.
Learn more about maternity and newborn services at stanfordchildrens.org.