The Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care recently received an Achievement Award from Smart Care California recognizing its success in reducing rates of C-Section. One hundred and eleven California hospitals met or surpassed a federal target aimed at reducing Cesarean births (C-sections) for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies, according to the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS).
Research finds that after two decades of annual increases, there has been progress in reducing the state’s low-risk first birth C-section rate. The 111 hospitals that made the Smart Care C-Section Honor Roll account for 45 percent of the 242 hospitals that offer maternity services in California.
“The decline in California’s rate for low-risk, first birth C-sections will lead to healthier babies and mothers,” said CHHS Secretary Diana Dooley. “Thanks to the hospitals and their staff for their hard work in achieving this measurable progress.”
To respond to a rapid rise in unnecessary C-sections across the United States, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services adopted the Healthy People 2020 target of reducing nationwide C-section rates for low-risk, first-births to 23.9 percent. In October 2015, Smart Care California began its focus on this issue as well.
“It’s encouraging that so many hospitals are making great progress to reduce their unnecessary cesarean deliveries, especially well in advance of the Healthy People 2020 target,” said Julie Morath, President and CEO of the Hospital Quality Institute.
While life-saving in some circumstances, unnecessary C-sections can pose serious risks to mothers—higher rates of hemorrhage, transfusions, infection and blood clots—and babies—higher rates of infection, respiratory complications and neonatal intensive care unit stays.
Evidence suggests that a woman’s chance of having a C-section largely depends on where she delivers and the practice pattern of her physician and clinical team. Even for low-risk, first-birth pregnancies, huge variation exists in hospital C-section rates. Rates in California hospitals range from less than 15 percent to more than 60 percent.
The Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care provides comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care with a family-centered focus and individualized support services and has been nationally certified Baby Friendly since 2010. This certification recognizes hospitals that have made a dedicated commitment to help mothers with breastfeeding, providing the tools and support for moms to be successful with breastfeeding, including training and educational programs for both staff and parents. They also offer a nurturing environment that supports mother and infant bonding immediately after delivery.
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