Birth Centers Earn Gold for “Best Place to Have a Baby”

Families across the Central California have spoken and voted Adventist Health as the best place to welcome a new baby into the world.

Adventist Health, which has birth centers in Fresno, Kings, and Kern counties, received gold awards for “Best Place to Have a Baby” in the Best of Central California The People’s Choice 2026 awards, presented by The Fresno Bee. The annual awards recognize outstanding businesses, services, and organizations throughout Central California, with community members voting for their favorite local establishments across a wide range of categories. The recognition reflects the trust families place in Adventist Health’s compassionate caregivers and high-quality maternity services.

“Our teams are honored and humbled by this recognition from the communities we serve,” said Nicole McCord, RN, director of the birth centers at Adventist Health Hanford and Adventist Health Reedley. “Welcoming a baby into the world is one of life’s most meaningful moments, and we are privileged to walk alongside families during that journey. This award is a reflection of the compassionate and personalized care our providers, nurses, and support teams provide every day.”

In the northern part of Central California, both Adventist Health Hanford and Adventist Health Reedley are Baby-Friendly designated birth centers, a distinction that recognizes hospitals for supporting breastfeeding, mother-baby bonding, and evidence-based maternity care practices. The designation demonstrates a commitment to helping families receive the healthiest possible start.

The birth centers also offer neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services in partnership with Valley Children’s Hospital, ensuring specialized care is available for newborns who may need additional support.

At Adventist Health Reedley, the birth center team helped deliver 1,092 babies in 2025, continuing its longstanding role as a trusted maternity provider for families.

The Adventist Health Hanford Birth Center recently celebrated a milestone. In March 2026, the birth center marked its 10th anniversary of delivering care in Kings County. Since its opening, the birth center team has helped welcome more than 23,400 babies, including two of Tasvia Mohamed’s children.

“The nurses are amazing. If you have questions, they encourage you to ask them without feeling embarrassed,” says Mohamed. “I’m always recommending the Birth Center to my friends and family.”

From prenatal education and labor support to postpartum care, the birth center teams focus on creating a safe and comforting experience for every single family.

The “Best Place to Have a Baby” award highlights Adventist Health’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and exceptional maternity care for communities across Central California.

Learn more about maternity services at Adventist Health.