COVINGTON – The New Family Center at St. Tammany Health System’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital has been named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of the nation’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, further bolstering the health system’s position as the premiere destination for maternity care on the Northshore.
It is one of only two Louisiana hospitals, and the only St. Tammany Parish hospital, to earn the honor.
In addition to being named a High Performing Hospital for maternity care, which recognizes hospitals that meet high standards for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies, the health system received the publication’s new Maternity Care Access designation, reserved for institutions providing quality care to regions that would otherwise be maternity deserts.
“We are deeply honored, but by no means surprised, by this recognition,” St. Tammany Health System President and CEO Joan Coffman said. “The expertise, compassion and unwavering dedication of our extraordinary colleagues in the New Family Center ensure that every growing family who comes through our doors receives the safest, most supportive and most joyful start possible.
“This team lives our mission in the most beautiful way: by welcoming new life into our community and caring for families at one of the most meaningful moments in their lives,” Coffman added.
U.S. News evaluates hospitals across multiple quality indicators, such as C-section rates, breastfeeding support and adherence to “birthing-friendly” practices, among other measures. The Best Hospitals honor places St. Tammany Health System among a select group of hospitals nationwide that demonstrate consistent excellence in maternal care, including safety, outcomes and patient experience.
The U.S. News designation follows years of investment in maternal, neonatal and family-centered services at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, including advanced clinical resources, comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care, and patient-preferred amenities that support comfort and bonding.
Since its founding in 1954 as St. Tammany Parish Hospital, more than 65,000 babies have been born at St. Tammany Health System.
Earlier this year, the health system again achieved the Birth Ready+ designation from the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, a program administered through the state Department of Health. Other distinctions that establish the health system as a center of excellence for mother-baby care include its Obstetric Emergency Department, Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Emergency Department, Level 2 Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and a breast milk donor depot approved by the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana.
Learn more about St. Tammany Health System’s maternity program at StTammany.health/NewFamily, and find U.S. News & World Report’s latest maternity rankings at USnews.com.
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About St. Tammany Health System
The heartbeat of its community, St. Tammany Health System cares for patients and families with excellence, compassion and teamwork. It is recognized for quality, safety and service excellence by CareChex, Leapfrog, Healthgrades, Hospital Compare, Women’s Choice and U.S. News & World Report. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 and Ochsner Health work together in partnership to improve the community’s health and quality of life. Together, west St. Tammany’s top two independent health leaders represent the most complete system of care, aligning behind the common goals of improving access, expanding specialty care and making care affordable. Under their agreement, each retains its autonomy; neither manages nor owns the other. Self-supporting, not-for-profit STHS is A+ rated by Fitch and receives no tax funding. More at StTammany.health.