HARRISONBURG VA (Rocktown Now) — Sentara RMH Medical Center has been ranked among the best hospitals in Virginia for maternity care in the “uncomplicated pregnancy” category according to the U.S. News & World Report “2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by State” survey released today, Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Only 15 Virginia hospitals earned this designation, including six Sentara facilities.

According to a release, the rankings are based on quality measures such as C-section rates for lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, breastfeeding practices, and other key indicators.

“Sentara RMH Medical Center being named as one of these hospitals speaks to the fact that we provide exceptional care for expectant parents, demonstrating significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News,” said Brian Josephs, MD, medical director of Sentara RMH Family Birthplace. “This accomplishment makes me proud to work at a place that provides such excellent care.”

This is the third time in four years Sentara RMH Family Birthplace has received this distinction.

“We’re thrilled that Sentara RMH Family Birthplace has once again earned this recognition,” said Sabrina Shiflett, director of patient care services. “It really speaks to the safe, high-quality care and exceptional service our team delivers every day.”

Maternity patients at Sentara RMH have access to several prenatal classes to prepare them for labor and delivery and postpartum care. The classes also serve as an opportunity to educate families about the low intervention techniques available to them.

“Expecting parents have a lot of choices when it comes to their birth experience,” Dr. Josephs said. “We partner with families to create a plan that works best for them.”

Family Birthplace was recognized as being “birthing-friendly,” and scored highly for breastfeeding practices and low complication rates. The unit was also noted for its postpartum depression screening and services for 12 months after birth.

The unit is equipped with operating rooms and state-of-the-art facilities for any need.

“Our unit is fully equipped with operating rooms, so we can perform C-sections on-site if needed,” Dr. Josephs said. “We offer a complete range of services to meet each family’s preferences.”

Sentara hospitals recognized as High Performing in Maternity Care:

  1. Sentara CarePlex Hospital
  2. Sentara Leigh Hospital
  3. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
  4. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
  5. Sentara RMH Medical Center
  6. Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center

To view the full list, visit 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by State | Best Hospitals | U.S. News.