State of play: United in St. Paul,M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital and Coon Rapids' Mercy Hospital were recognized in the metro.
In Greater Minnesota, Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth and Mayo Clinic's health systems in Albert Lea/Austin and Mankato made the cut.
How it works: The annual report measures metrics like C-section rates for lower-risk pregnancies, unexpected newborn complications and whether mothers breastfeed.
Friction point: The kudos come as consolidations and closures lead to rollbacks in maternity care in some communities.
