St. Luke’s Earns Birthing-Friendly Designation

St. Luke’s is the only hospital in the Twin Ports to achieve the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services new Birthing-Friendly designation.

The Birthing-Friendly recognition identifies health systems committed to providing high-quality maternity care. The distinction shows which health systems participate in a perinatal quality improvement program and implement evidence-based care to improve maternal health.

“Earning this recognition is a great example of how we serve our patients,” St. Luke’s Maternal Child Health Manager Stephanie Forslund said. “This recognition is designed to show which health systems are providing first-rate care. It also highlights systems that are focused on maternal health inequities, which we’re committed to addressing.”

The Birthing-Friendly effort came from the White House Blueprint for addressing the Maternal Health Crisis. It is part of Vice President Kamala Harris’ nationwide call to action to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

Eighty percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and Black and American Indian people are among those who have the highest rates of pregnancy-related death. Pregnant and postpartum people from some racial and ethnic minority groups are also more likely to have negative health experiences during pregnancy and delivery. The Birthing-Friendly designation is a step towards ensuring all pregnant and post-partum people can find high-quality maternity care.

To find a health system with the Birthing-Friendly designation, check out this map.