Every mom deserves the very best care before, during and after delivery, and that’s exactly what we provide at birthing hospitals across our health system.
We’re proud that three have been recognized by the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC) for doing just that.
Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital have each earned designations that highlight their leadership in safe, high-quality and equitable maternity care. These honors reflect the dedication of our teams and the trust our communities place in us during one of life’s most important journeys.
Leading the Way with a Higher Standard in Rural Maternity Care
In Bogalusa, Our Lady of the Angels Hospital continues to lead the way in rural maternal health with its third consecutive Birth Ready+ designation, the highest level awarded by the LaPQC. Since first earning Birth Ready designation in 2021 and Birth Ready+ in 2023, the hospital has consistently met and exceeded stringent criteria focused on improving outcomes and advancing equitable, evidence-based care.
The team at Our Lady of the Angels remains focused on delivering compassionate, community-based care that meets the highest clinical standards. Their work ensures that families in Washington Parish have access to top-tier maternity services right where they live.
Building on Excellence for Northeast Louisiana
In Monroe, St. Francis Medical Center has once again been named a Birth Ready hospital, celebrating its second consecutive year of designation. This recognition highlights the hospital’s strong commitment to maternal health and continuous improvement.
The team at St. Francis integrates collaborative learning, patient-centered policies and proven practices into every stage of maternity care, from pregnancy through postpartum. As the region’s only Level III OB, OB-ED and NICU facility, St. Francis provides expert support to mothers and newborns across Northeast Louisiana.
A New Milestone for Acadiana
In Lafayette, Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital achieved the Birth Ready designation for the first time, marking a major milestone for maternity care in Acadiana.
This new status affirms the hospital’s focus on excellence in maternal health, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. The team’s efforts to meet LaPQC standards reflect their broader mission: to offer families in Acadiana the very best care during pregnancy, labor, delivery and beyond.
What Does ‘Birth Ready’ Mean?
The LaPQC’s Birth Ready and Birth Ready+ designations recognize hospitals for meeting high standards across five key areas:
- Collaborative learning
- Health equity and patient partnership
- Evidence-based policies and education
- Strong structures and leadership
- Measurable outcomes and improvements
Hospitals achieving these designations are making real progress toward improving outcomes for mothers and babies across Louisiana.
Find Maternity Care Near You
Whether you’re welcoming your first child or your fifth, our hospitals are here to support you with expert, compassionate care tailored to your needs.
