By Debbie Schumacher and Sara McCloskey-Nieves 

VCU Medical Center earned the “High Performing” rating in maternity care from U.S. News & World Report – the highest distinction available from the publication – for a third consecutive year.  

A record number of 901 hospitals submitted data to be considered for these ratings. According to U.S. News, half of hospitals nationwide achieved the “High Performing” rating in maternity care – making VCU Medical Center among the nation’s best hospitals. Only 15 Virginia hospitals received this designation.  

“This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire team to provide the safest and most supportive environment for mothers and babies,” said Jim Willis, president of VCU Medical Center. “We are proud to be a trusted partner for families during one of life’s most important moments.” 

Why VCU Health is a trusted leader in maternity care 

Finding the best hospital and maternal care team to be part of a family’s journey through pregnancy, birth and postpartum can be difficult. With so many things to consider, U.S. News looks at several metrics to evaluate the quality of maternal care a hospital provides. 

Key quality measures for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care include: 

• Low rates of C-sections 
• Few unexpected newborn complications  
• Support for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) 
• Birth-friendly practices, including breastfeeding support 
• Access to advanced specialists 

First-time mom Precious Wilson chose VCU Health because of its reputation for comprehensive care and as a Baby-Friendly designated hospital – the only one in Richmond. The maternal care team made Precious feel heard and valued – giving her all of the educational resources and tools to navigate her pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. When her daughter needed unexpected NICU care, Precious trusted Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU with her newborn’s health and safety. 

“There is such a culture at VCU Health to be empathetic and compassionate,” Precious said. “They were very conscientious about integrating my support team – my husband and my mom.” 

Comprehensive care for every family 

From low-intervention births to complex, high-risk pregnancies, VCU Health offers a full spectrum of expert, evidence-based maternity services, giving patients options that meet their individual needs. Families looking for compassionate maternity care can also easily schedule appointments in Short Pump, Stony Point campus and downtown Richmond.  

Maternal care expertise offered at VCU Health includes: 

• Certified nurse-midwives for low-intervention care. 
• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists for high-risk pregnancies. 
• Lactation consultants for one-on-one breastfeeding support.  
• Resources for expectant and new parents to help inform, support and empower parents throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Free parenting classes are available to empower patients and their families. 
• Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offers the highest levels of care for the most fragile newborns. 

“Our goal is to deliver exceptional care tailored to each family’s needs – whether that means a low-intervention birth or advanced support for high-risk pregnancies. Our collaborative team of expert doctors, midwives and nurses incorporate best practices to give our patients and their families the best outcomes” said David Chelmow, M.D., chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology.  

VCU Medical Center is also the only hospital in the Richmond region to receive the highest designation on Newsweek's list of “America's Best Maternity Hospitals 2024.”  Additionally, VCU Medical Center was ranked the No. 1 hospital in the Richmond metro area for the fifteenth year in a row and received the highest ranking for several specialties and procedures by U.S. News & World Report. VCU Medical Center also has a Center of Excellence designation in Obstetric Anesthesia, for safe pain management.

As you plan for the birth of your baby, you have many decisions to make. Our expert doctors, certified nurse-midwives and nurses work with you to create the birth experience you want. Discover what VCU Health has to offer or call 804-828-4409.

Precious Wilson’s Story: How VCU Health empowered a new mom to advocate for her needs and her baby's