U.S. News & World Report recently recognized University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center as one of the nation’s top hospitals for maternity care for 2026, according to a hospital press release.
U.S. News & World Report recently recognized University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center as one of the nation’s top hospitals for maternity care for 2026, according to a hospital press release.
“I’ve been in the area and working at (UHGMC) for 26 years, since the start of my career,” said Dr. Natalina Andreani, medical director for maternity services. “I have always told my patients that the reason I stayed in the area was because of Geauga’s labor and delivery team. They have always been and continue to be an integral factor in the success of my OB practice.”
Approximately 900 hospitals nationwide voluntarily submitted clinical data for the maternity care evaluation, which represents the highest possible recognition in the annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings, according to the release.
“I feel like it’s well deserved,” Andreani said Jan. 5. “I’ve always thought of Geauga’s labor and delivery unit as being kind of a hidden gem. Our quality and our patient safety and our patient satisfaction scores (have) always been through the roof. It’s really nice to be recognized for this on a national platform.”
The ranking is based on several measures, including low cesarean section rates, low rates of unexpected newborn complications, high rates of exclusive breast milk feeding and the implementation of birthing-friendly practices, the release said.
“The team’s commitment to quality is reflected in a consistently low C-section rate — one of the lowest in Northeast Ohio,” UHGMC said in the release.
The maternity care team includes obstetricians, midwives, specialized nurses and pediatricians.
“Typically, our patients have the luxury of seeing familiar faces throughout their entire stay,” Andreani said. “When they transition from labor and delivery to postpartum or newborn care, the same team takes care of them, which I think patients really enjoy.”
UHGMC offers family-centered childbirth through a single-room maternity care model, allowing mothers and their families to remain in one private room throughout labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care, according to the release.
Andreani emphasized the hospital’s strong connection to the local community.
“Our team here at Geauga is part of the community,” Andreani said. “It is not uncommon for patients to come in and recognize some level of connection with those who are taking care of them. As providers, we truly feel like we are working with and taking care of our neighbors and friends.”
The rankings are intended to help expecting parents make informed decisions about where to receive maternity care, the release said.
UHGMC also offers the TeamBirth program, which encourages shared decision-making by allowing mothers to discuss expectations, progress and care plans throughout the birthing process, according to the release.
Dr. Stephanie Teal, UH’s chair for obstetrics and gynecology and obstetrician/gynecologist-in-chief, emphasized the significance of the recognition.
“Being recognized as a high-performing hospital for maternity care is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the families we serve,” Teal said. “Every birth is a profound moment, and the labor and delivery team works tirelessly to ensure parents feel supported, informed and safe from the moment they arrive through the first hours of life with their newborn. This recognition from U.S. News affirms the exceptional care we strive to deliver every single day.”
