Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Recognized By Smart Care California For Reducing C-Sections

M. Hellen Rodriguez, M.D., Medical Director for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

For nearly four years, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS), on behalf of Smart Care California, has honored hospitals throughout California who have met or surpassed a federal target aimed at reducing C-section births to 23.9 percent for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies. We are pleased to be among the 122 California hospitals to achieve such an honor.

We began focusing on efforts to reduce our C-section rates years ago. Our efforts have been incredibly successful and we’ve achieved a rate below the federal target for the past five years.

In 2017 the rate was 18.8 percent and in 2018, the Hospital achieved approximately 17.27 percent in this population.

While life-saving in some circumstances, unnecessary C-sections can pose serious risks to mothers including higher rates of hemorrhage, transfusions, infection and blood clots. For babies, potential risks include higher rates of infection, respiratory complications, and neonatal intensive care unit stays.

In collaboration with our physicians, nurses, and administration, we’ve worked to ensure everyone is informed about the risks associated with C-sections. Through education, our team has been able to serve our patients and their families better, resulting in healthier mothers and babies.

As the largest birthing hospital in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, we are honored to be recognized, once again, for our work in reducing C-section births by the CHHS and Smart Care California. We hope to continue upon our success and reduce these rates even further in the future.