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Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner named a Best Maternity Hospital by U.S. News & World Report
OMC – Kenner recognized for excellence in maternity care, earns prestigious honor
KENNER, La. – U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Ochsner Medical Center — Kenner a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study for treating lower risk pregnancies. Ochsner Health is the only health system in Louisiana to have two hospitals receive this award; Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland was also honored.
"We are incredibly proud of the women's services teams at OMC – Kenner and Ochsner St. Anne. Their dedication to the safety and welfare of both delivering mothers and newborn babies is reflected in this respected designation," said Joseph Biggio, MD, MS, system chair of women’s services, Ochsner Health. “Our teams consistently demonstrate a commitment to providing exceptional care, ensuring that every family feels supported and secure during one of life's most important moments.”
Excellence in maternity care
OMC- Kenner earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care for uncomplicated pregnancies as measured by factors such as:
C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies
Severe unexpected newborn complication rates
Exclusive breast milk feeding rates
Birthing-friendly practices
"This recognition from U.S. News & World Report highlights the unwavering compassion and expertise of our exceptional care teams at OMC- Kenner," said Abdul Khan, MD, CEO, Ochsner River Region. "Our obstetricians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and nurses are dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality care for mothers and their babies—from prenatal services to delivery and beyond. Their hard work and caring approach are what set our standard of care, and this honor formally recognizes the expertise and heart they bring to our community each day."
Nationally recognized care
U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis.
“OMC - Kenner and Ochsner St. Anne’s recognition underscores the unwavering commitment to providing families with the highest level of care during such a special time in their lives,” said Robert Hart, MD, chief physician executive, Ochsner Health. “From evidence-based practices to a compassionate approach, every member of these teams is dedicated to ensuring that mothers and their babies receive exceptional, personalized care that prioritizes safety, comfort, and well-being.”
For the 2026 edition, approximately 900 hospitals nationwide submitted maternity data for evaluation. Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings are intended to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family’s needs.
“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,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “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.”
For more information about Ochsner Health and its women’s services, please visit ochsner.org/womens. Resources for both expecting and new parents are available at ochsner.org/newmom. To learn more about maternity care at OMC – Kenner and to schedule an appointment, visit ochsner.org/kenner.
Media Contact: PR@ochsner.org
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner is nationally recognized for inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through expertise, quality and digital connectivity. In 2024, more than 40,000 dedicated team members and 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians at Ochsner cared for 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org.
