SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Barton’s Family Birthing Center was recognized for excellence in maternity care, earning a spot on the Cal Hospital Compare 2025 Maternity Honor Roll for the tenth year in a row. Barton is among 82 hospitals that met or surpassed the statewide target aimed at reducing births via cesarean section (C-section) in first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies. 

“We are committed to continually raising the standard of maternity care for our community,” said Dr. Clare Rudolph, Medical Director for Barton Obstetrics and Gynecology. “This recognition reflects our care teams’ commitment to patient-centered practices that prioritize safety, informed decision-making, and healthy outcomes for families in our community.”  

Vaginal births are typically associated with fewer risks than C-section births as they are less invasive, often leading to lower infection rates, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. While every birth experience is unique, research suggests that the hospital where a woman delivers, and the care practices of her obstetric team can influence the likelihood of having a C-section delivery.  

Barton Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center is a Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated hospitals that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes for mothers and babies. 

In addition, Barton partners with UC Davis Children’s Hospital, collaborating with specialists to care for at-risk newborns. 

Most recently, Barton achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation from Baby-Friendly USA, an international accreditation awarded to hospitals that adhere to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.  

For more information on the Maternity Honor Roll and other Barton quality and safety accolades, visit BartonHealth.org/Quality.