Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola has been recognized as one of the nation's best maternity care hospitals for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.

The distinction, part of the publication's annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care report, places Sacred Heart among an elite group of approximately 400 hospitals nationwide according to a news release.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021 to provide expectant parents with vital information about labor and delivery services. The rankings are based on stringent quality measures, including lower rates of C-sections and unexpected newborn complications, higher rates of breastfeeding support and efforts to address racial disparities in maternal care.

"This award reflects the dedication of our outstanding team and the impact their work has on families during such a vulnerable time," Will Condon, president and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, said in the release. "We are committed to ensuring healthy outcomes for mothers and their babies and are honored to accept this recognition."

Sacred Heart Pensacola offers a comprehensive approach to addressing maternal and infant healthcare needs. The Women's Care Center team is actively tackling barriers such as transportation, insurance, financial resources, and child care. Maternal health navigators work closely with patients to coordinate solutions, including rideshare services for appointments, providing pack-n-plays for safe sleep practices and distributing iron-rich food and educational materials.

The Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart features the region's only Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which delivers advanced care for preterm and critically ill infants. The hospital also holds the Baby-Friendly designation, recognizing its commitment to breastfeeding support and education.

Innovative programs such as the state's first postpartum wristband initiative highlight Sacred Heart's leadership in maternal health. The initiative provides silver rubber wristbands to postpartum mothers for up to a year, ensuring their medical history is easily accessible when seeking care through emergency medical services, emergency rooms or other facilities.

"The hospitals recognized by U.S. News as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents," said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. "These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News."