EAMC Earns ‘Best Maternity Hospitals’ Award for Second Year

East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC), where more than 2,200 babies are delivered annually, has once again earned national recognition for excellence in maternity care, having been named to Newsweek’s prestigious “America's Best Maternity Hospitals” list for the second straight year.

“We are honored to be recognized once again as one of the nation’s Best Maternity Hospitals,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health. “As our community continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding our services and investing in the resources needed to support moms, babies and families.”

The list ranks the nation’s leading hospitals for maternity care based on quality metrics, patient experience surveys and a nationwide online survey of health professionals with knowledge about maternity processes.

The hospital has 13 birthing suites, each designed to provide a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, as well as three observation suites for outpatient care and services. 

To further meet the needs of the community, a Level III NICU was opened in 2021, allowing babies to receive intensive or specialized care from local neonatologists without having to leave town.

In addition to the award-winning care provided at EAMC, the hospital also offers many programs and classes for expectant mothers that offer support and guidance before, during and after pregnancy. 

EAMC offers a personal birth navigator service, which provides pregnancy assessments, education on prenatal services, breastfeeding, and labor options; assistance with selecting classes, and guided tours of the facility. In addition, expectant mothers and their partners also have access to a prepared childbirth class which covers pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum care, hospital procedures, pain management options and comfort techniques.

For post-partum care, nurses from EAMC operate a breastfeeding support group that meets weekly for mothers to share ideas and provide emotional support. 

“Everything we do is focused on supporting the families within our community, whether it’s through advanced medical care or offering educational programs that help parents feel prepared and confident,” said Rosemary Cummings, executive director of Women’s and Children’s Services at EAMC. 

With national recognition, a growing range of maternity services, and a compassionate team dedicated to every stage of the journey, EAMC remains committed to being the trusted choice for families throughout the region.

Expectant parents are encouraged to learn more about the hospital’s maternity programs, schedule a tour, or connect with a birth navigator for personalized guidance by visiting www.eastalabamahealth.org/maternity.

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.