Published: December 12, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The stork is flying in with an award: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow has been recognized as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, placing it among the nation’s top hospitals for labor and delivery services.
The "High Performing" designation is the highest award level and is based on excellence across multiple quality measures. These include C-section rates, newborn complication rates, breastfeeding support, episiotomy rates and adherence to federal "birthing-friendly" practices.
“This national recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team, our physicians, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants and support staff, who provide compassionate, evidence-based care to every family we serve,” said Tonyie Andrews-Johnson, director of women’s and pediatric services at UM Health-Sparrow. “Our focus is always on ensuring the safest and most supportive birth experience.”
The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings are designed to help expectant parents make informed decisions. A record 899 hospitals nationwide participated in the annual survey.
UM Health-Sparrow has been recognized as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, placing it among the nation’s top hospitals.
“Achieving this distinction reflects our health system’s system-wide commitment to clinical excellence and continuous improvement in women’s health,” Andrews-Johnson said. “We are honored to be trusted by our community and proud to be recognized on a national stage.”
UM Health-Sparrow is the leading birthing center in Mid-Michigan, with over 3,500 births annually. UM Health-Sparrow Lansing also boasts the region’s only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for our smallest patients.
The 2026 ratings are published on Health.UsNews.Com/Best-Hospitals/Area/Mi/Sparrow-Hospital-6441595/Maternity. For more information on maternity services at UM Health-Sparrow, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/departments-conditions/all-departments/labor-delivery.
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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.