While birth rates across the United States continue to decline, Middle Tennessee is experiencing a different trend. As the region grows, more families are choosing Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown for maternity care, resulting in a record-breaking year for births.
During fiscal year 2026, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown welcomed 7,008 babies, the highest number of births in the hospital’s history. The milestone means there is rarely a quiet moment in Midtown’s Birthing Center, where on average, a baby is born approximately every 75 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Across Ascension Saint Thomas, 10,670 babies were born during fiscal year 2026, meaning one in three babies born in Middle Tennessee was delivered at an Ascension Saint Thomas hospital. The record reflects the continued growth of the region and the trust families place in Ascension Saint Thomas’ comprehensive maternity services.
“This milestone represents more than a number. It represents more than 7,000 families trusting us with one of the biggest moments of their lives,” said Richelle Graham, Chief Nursing Officer with Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. “It speaks volumes about who we are, the care we provide, and why so many families across Middle Tennessee choose Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown.”
The growth in births at Midtown reflects the unique population trends shaping Middle Tennessee. While birth rates nationwide continue to decline, Nashville and surrounding communities continue to experience significant growth, with many new residents in their childbearing years.
“We know that nationwide birth rates are declining. However, Nashville is a booming city, and it’s really the age of the people moving to Nashville that is creating this baby boom here in Middle Tennessee,” Graham said. “We’re seeing more families in the childbearing years choosing this community, and they’re choosing Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown for their care.”
For generations, Midtown has been known as a trusted destination for maternity care. Many families continue to choose the hospital because of its reputation and connection to the community.
“Historically, Midtown has been known as the baby hospital, and we’re proud to carry on that legacy,” Graham said. “Many of our patients are what we call legacy patients. Their families were born here, their friends were born here, and now they’re continuing that tradition with their own families.”
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown provides comprehensive maternity care, including 24/7 OB-GYN emergency care, Level III NICU services, and Level IV maternity care for high-risk pregnancies. The hospital cares for mothers with a wide range of needs, including approximately 25% of births considered high-risk.
“We are a Level IV maternity center, which means we can care for any condition a mother may face,” Graham said. “Whether a mother has an increased cardiac risk, a risk of preterm labor, or another complex condition, she can receive multidisciplinary care all in one location at Midtown.”
The hospital’s comprehensive maternity program brings together clinicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, midwives, and specialists to provide coordinated care for mothers and newborns. Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown also partners with more than 100 OB-GYNs across the region who choose to deliver babies at the hospital.
The hospital was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the only High Performing Maternity Center in Middle Tennessee for 2026, highlighting its commitment to quality care for mothers and newborns.
The record number of births reflects the continued trust families place in Ascension Saint Thomas and the ongoing investment in maternity services across Middle Tennessee.
