Bloomington, Indiana – IU Health Bloomington and IU Health Paoli Hospital have earned national acclaim for their maternity services, with U.S. News & World Report naming both hospitals as High Performing for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) in its 2026 Best Hospitals rankings. The recognition reflects the hospitals’ long-standing commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care for mothers and newborns in southern Indiana.
“Bringing a new life into the world is a momentous time for parents. Every member of our Labor and Delivery, Postpartum and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit teams dedicate themselves to providing the top-level care our patients need and deserve,” said Denzil Ross, IU Health South Region President. “I’d like to thank all of these team members for their compassionate, skilled care that makes such a difference in the lives of our youngest community members and their loved ones.”
U.S. News & World Report evaluated roughly 900 hospitals for its 2026 rankings, focusing on several key metrics related to maternity care. These included C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, rates of severe unexpected newborn complications, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices. The evaluations aim to identify hospitals that consistently provide high-quality, safe care for mothers and infants.
For IU Health Bloomington and IU Health Paoli, the recognition comes as a testament to the dedication of staff who often have deep ties to their local communities. “Many of our team members grew up in these rural communities and are now ensuring their friends, family, neighbors, community members and visitors have a safe place to turn to when they’re welcoming their newest family members,” said Larry Bailey, IU Health Paoli Hospital Chief Operating Officer. “This small yet mighty team puts its whole heart into being that source of skilled support, and I’m very proud to see these efforts recognized.”
The accolades mark IU Health Bloomington’s third and IU Health Paoli’s second time being recognized as High Performing for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News. Additionally, IU Health Paoli Hospital received the 2026 Maternity Care Access Hospital designation, one of 147 facilities nationwide honored for ensuring that high-quality maternity care is accessible in their communities.
“The Maternity Care Access Hospital designation highlights the important work our Paoli team does to ensure excellent maternity care is available for Orange County and our surrounding, rural communities,” Bailey said.
IU Health’s focus on maternal and neonatal care emphasizes a combination of advanced medicine, skilled professionals, and personalized care. The hospitals aim to create an environment where patients feel supported, informed, and safe throughout their pregnancies and deliveries. “IU Health is dedicated to making Indiana a healthier state, and these recognitions show how our Bloomington and Paoli teams are helping in that goal through leading-edge medicine, skilled professionals, whole person care and a personalized approach,” Ross added.
According to Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News, these designations are a clear indicator of quality for expectant parents. “Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” she said. “It’s a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”
The recognition is particularly significant for IU Health Paoli, which serves a largely rural region. The hospital has long focused on making high-quality maternity care accessible to local residents, ensuring that women and families do not have to travel long distances for critical perinatal services. By maintaining top safety standards, promoting breastfeeding, and providing individualized care, the Paoli team continues to strengthen maternal and newborn health outcomes across its service area.
IU Health Bloomington, serving a more urban population, also leverages its resources to provide comprehensive maternity services, from routine deliveries to specialized care for higher-risk pregnancies. Both hospitals emphasize teamwork among labor and delivery nurses, postpartum staff, and neonatal intensive care specialists to create seamless, family-centered experiences.
With these national distinctions, IU Health Bloomington and Paoli Hospital join a select group of facilities recognized for excellence in maternity care. The honors not only highlight the hospitals’ clinical achievements but also underscore the compassion, expertise, and dedication of the staff who guide families through one of life’s most important moments.
As expectant parents plan for the arrival of their children, the recognition provides reassurance that these IU Health hospitals are among the safest and most supportive environments in Indiana for childbirth, reflecting a commitment to both the science and humanity of care.
