CHARLEVOIX, MI – Northern Michigan’s Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital has distinguished itself as a leading provider of obstetric care, earning a coveted spot among the “Best Hospitals for Obstetrics” in 2025, according to the Women’s Choice Award. This prestigious recognition places Charlevoix Hospital within the top 7% of obstetric providers nationwide, a testament to their commitment to quality, safety, and patient-centered care.

The Women’s Choice Award evaluates hospitals based on a rigorous assessment of publicly reported data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), accreditation standards, and patient satisfaction surveys. Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital consistently achieved high marks across these categories, demonstrating excellence in effective care, patient safety, and particularly strong Five-star ratings in areas such as physician dialogue and positive patient recommendations. This achievement underscores the hospital’s dedication to providing a positive and supportive experience for expectant mothers.

“We are incredibly blessed to have highly skilled,board-certified OB/GYN physicians and dedicated nurses who provide exceptional care to women across Northern Michigan,” stated Joanne schroeder,president of Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital.“Our fine staff and stunning setting make the maternity care and childbirth experience truly personal and special.”

For over a century, Charlevoix Hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. their obstetrics team boasts registered nurses with considerable experience, some with over 50 years of service. The hospital’s three board-certified OB/GYNs attend to all deliveries, supported by a team of compassionate nurses and a nursery staffed by pediatricians and family physicians specially trained in newborn care. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive and personalized care for both mother and child.

the recognition highlights not only the high standards of medical care but also the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive habitat for families during this significant life event.As healthcare continues to evolve, patient experience becomes a critical factor, and Charlevoix Hospital seems to be excelling in this area.

Schroeder emphasized the personalized attention patients receive due to the hospital’s smaller,community-focused environment.“Our team remembers names and faces,” she said. “We provide compassionate,skilled care from the beginning of pregnancy through postpartum. And our lakeview birthing suites help create a truly comforting environment.”

This personalized approach contrasts with the experience many women face in larger, more impersonal hospital settings. The emphasis on remembering names and faces, along with the comforting setting of lakeview birthing suites, suggests a focus on creating a more intimate and supportive childbirth experience.

The Broader Context: Maternal Health in the U.S.

The recognition of Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital comes at a crucial time in the United States, where maternal health outcomes are a growing concern. According to the CDC, the U.S. has a higher maternal mortality rate compared to many other developed nations.Factors contributing to this include disparities in access to care,underlying health conditions,and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

For instance, data reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in maternal mortality rates. Native American and Black women are disproportionately affected, facing a higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths compared to White women. These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies to address systemic inequities in healthcare access and quality.

Moreover, the closure of rural hospitals across the country has exacerbated the challenges faced by expectant mothers in underserved communities. With fewer hospitals and obstetricians available, women in rural areas often have to travel longer distances to receive prenatal care and deliver their babies, increasing the risk of complications and adverse outcomes.

In light of these challenges, the efforts of hospitals like Munson Healthcare Charlevoix to maintain high standards of obstetric care and provide personalized support to patients are particularly commendable. Their recognition by the Women’s Choice Award serves as a model for other healthcare providers seeking to improve maternal health outcomes and address disparities in care.

Note: These are approximate figures based on the most recent data available from the CDC and other sources.

Innovations in obstetric Care

The field of obstetrics is constantly evolving, with new technologies and approaches emerging to improve maternal and infant health. Some of the recent developments in obstetric care include:

• Telehealth: Telehealth services are expanding access to prenatal care for women in rural and underserved areas. Telehealth visits can be used for routine checkups,monitoring blood pressure and weight,and providing education and counseling. Charlevoix hospital offers telehealth visits when appropriate, recognizing that many patients travel from rural areas for OB care.
• 3D/4D Ultrasound: Advanced ultrasound technology provides more detailed images of the developing fetus, allowing for earlier detection of potential problems. These technologies can also enhance the bonding experience for parents by providing a clearer view of their baby.
• non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): NIPT is a screening test that analyzes fetal DNA in the mother’s blood to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.NIPT is a safe and accurate option to more invasive procedures like amniocentesis.
• Personalized Medicine: researchers are exploring the use of genetic facts and other individual factors to tailor obstetric care to each patient’s unique needs. This approach holds the promise of improving outcomes and reducing complications.

Community Engagement and Support

Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital recognizes the importance of community engagement and support for expectant families. To help families learn more about their services and resources, the hospital is hosting a Baby Expo from 5-7 p.m.on April 10 at the hospital. The Expo will feature resources, provider meet-and-greets, and giveaways.

The event underscores a commitment to providing comprehensive support beyond medical care, offering a platform for families to connect with healthcare professionals and access valuable information.

Furthermore, the hospital typically delivers about 220 babies each year, a number that continues to grow as more families choose Charlevoix for their care. Recognizing that many patients travel from rural areas for OB care, the Charlevoix hospital provides a range of support services, including lactation consulting and OB outpatient services.

Regional Excellence in Maternal Health

Charlevoix wasn’t the only Northern Michigan hospital recognized by the Women’s Choice Awards. Munson Medical Center in Traverse City also earned honors for its obstetrics program, underscoring the region’s strength in maternal health care.The dual recognition highlights a broader trend of excellence in maternal health services across Northern Michigan.

For those interested in learning more about the Women’s Choice Awards and the full list of winners, visit womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals.