Old North News

WakeMed hospitals have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the nation's best for maternity care. WakeMed Cary Hospital, WakeMed North Hospital, and WakeMed Raleigh Campus received High Performing designations in the 2024-2025 list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy).

The High Performing designation acknowledges excellence in areas such as newborn complications and c-section rates, along with quality care metrics related to outcomes, process, and structure. The data from WakeMed Raleigh Campus and WakeMed North Hospital were combined for this ranking.

WakeMed is notable for delivering more babies than any other health system in Wake County, reporting nearly 10,000 births during its 2024 fiscal year.

The annual evaluation by U.S. News is intended to guide expectant parents in choosing where to receive maternity care. Over 650 hospitals were evaluated based on their labor and delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies.

“More than anything, this award recognizes the WakeMed team’s deep commitment to delivering the best possible experience for every mother, baby, and family," said Dr. Seth Brody, WakeMed Executive Vice President & Chief Physician Executive.

WakeMed has achieved low C-section rates nationally and was a pioneer in single-room NICU care within Wake County. Additionally, all three hospitals were acknowledged for supporting Black maternal health and received a four-star Breastfeeding Friendly designation from the NC Department of Public Health.

U.S. News's methodology focuses on objective quality measures like C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies and exclusive breast milk feeding rates.