Medically reviewed by Sean Tedjarati, MD, MPH, MBA, Director of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Westchester Medical Center
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions expectant mothers make. Now, that choice just became clearer for families across the Hudson Valley. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) has recognized Westchester Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital as High-Performing hospitals for maternity care in its 2026 rankings, the highest distinction available in the publication’s annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study.
This recognition places both hospitals among an elite group of hospitals nationwide evaluated on critical safety and quality measures that matter most to expectant mothers and their babies.
What This Recognition Means for You
When searching for the best hospitals for childbirth near you, this USNWR designation provides objective reassurance that you’re choosing facilities that consistently meet the highest standards of maternal care. Both hospitals earned high marks across key metrics, including:
- Lower C-section rates in low-risk pregnancies and complications
- Reduced severe unexpected newborn complications
- High exclusive breast milk feeding rates
- Comprehensive birthing-friendly practices
“Being ranked among the best maternity hospitals is a monumental achievement for our WMCHealth Network,” said Dr. Sean Tedjarati, Director of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Westchester Medical Center. “This recognition reflects the patient-centered commitment, dedication, talent, and collaborative care of our maternal medicine, pediatrics, NICU, and nursing teams who deliver world-class advanced care with compassion—from the most straightforward to the most complex cases.”
Unparalleled NICU Capabilities When You Need Them Most
While every expectant mother hopes for an uncomplicated birth, knowing that the region’s most advanced neonatal care is immediately available provides invaluable peace of mind. Westchester Medical Center is home to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, which operates the only Level IV Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU) in the Hudson Valley.
This highest level of NICU designation means that if your baby requires specialized care—whether expected or unexpected—expert neonatologists, pediatric specialists, and cutting-edge technology are right there, eliminating the stress and risk of emergency transfers to another facility.
Housed within the Maria Fareri NICU, there is the Liquid Gold Preemie Donor Milk Bank that can provide life-saving pre-term, term, and kosher donor milk. This unique program helps support mothers who cannot provide breastmilk to their babies due to pregnancy complications, medical illnesses, and low milk supply.
Maternal Health Innovation, Real Results
The recognition follows significant advancements in maternal care across the WMCHealth Network. In 2023, Westchester Medical Center launched the Center for Women’s Health Equity, specifically designed and dedicated to improving maternal care and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality across the Hudson Valley. By taking a proactive, holistic approach, we integrate maternal-fetal medicine with cardiovascular and other medical specialists to bring the most advanced and comprehensive care to our patients.
We strive to make it the safest and best day possible for our mothers, babies, and families.
Good Samaritan Hospital: A National Maternal Care Leader at Home in Rockland County
Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern brings the same high-performing standards to families in Rockland County and surrounding communities. Previously awarded a five-star rating by Healthgrades for vaginal deliveries and named among the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Good Samaritan Hospital combines personalized, community-focused care with the clinical excellence of the broader WMCHealth network.
Where The Highest Standards of Care Are Being Practiced
“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders,” said Dr. Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at USNWR. “This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals. It’s a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced.”
For expectant mothers researching the best maternity hospitals in the Hudson Valley, this dual recognition means you have access to award-winning care at two exceptional facilities—whether you need routine delivery support or the region’s most advanced high-risk maternal and neonatal capabilities.
Your Journey to Exceptional Maternity Care Starts Here
From your first prenatal visit through delivery and postpartum care, Westchester Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital provide comprehensive maternity services backed by nationally recognized standards of excellence. Learn more about maternity care at WMCHealth or call 914.592.2400 to speak with our team.