Essentia Health-Fargo recognized by U.S. News & World Report

Essentia Health-Fargo has been named a 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News' Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

The designation recognizes maternity care as measured by factors such as severe unexpected newborn complication rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

"We are honored to be recognized as a high performing hospital for maternity care," said Suzanne Zeltinger, the chief nursing officer for Essentia's West Market. "This recognition reflects our team’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care. As the only Baby-Friendly® designated hospital in the Fargo-Moorhead area, we prioritize the health and well-being of both mom and baby, ensuring that every family receives the highest quality care in a supportive and compassionate environment."

U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States. Only half of those hospitals have been recognized as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in U.S. News’ 2025 ratings.

"The hospitals recognized as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents," said Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at U.S. News. "These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News."  

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data for analysis. These evaluations can assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family's needs. Read more about Essentia Health-Fargo's rating at usnews.com.

If you are interested in embarking on your maternity journey at Essentia Health-Fargo, please call (701) 364-8900 or visit EssentiaHealth.org and take a virtual tour of the birthing center and NICU today.