Maternal care kudos for Kaiser Permanente Redwood City

Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center is among the 124 hospitals in the state named to the 2021 Maternity Care Honor Roll.

This recognition is for hospitals that met or surpassed the statewide target aimed at reducing births via cesarean sections in first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies. The 124 hospitals on the honor roll represent 60% of all 208 hospitals that offer maternity services and participate in the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative’s Maternal Data Center.

Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals have been a leader in providing innovative approaches to maternal care, including our Supporting Vaginal Birth Program that resulted in marked decreases in cesarean birth for first-time moms, and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program, which helps new mothers recover more quickly after delivering by C-section with enhanced early mobility and improved pain control minimizing the use of narcotics. A focus on breastfeeding is also integral to Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care, which has proven health benefits for both baby and mom.

“The maternity care honor is a tribute to the dedication of our maternity teams,” said Sheila Gilson, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center’s senior vice president and area manager. “The teams are committed to providing safe, quality care for both mom and baby at our newly expanded Labor and Delivery unit.”

In 2015, the California Health and Human Services Agency began recognizing hospitals that meet the 23.9% statewide target of C-sections for low-risk births through its Maternity Care Honor Roll. This year’s award reflects calendar year 2020 hospital discharge and birth certificate data.

Overuse of C-sections can result in higher rates of complications for mothers including hemorrhage, transfusions, infection, and blood clots. The surgery also brings risks for babies, including higher rates of infection, respiratory complications, neonatal intensive care unit stays, and lower breastfeeding rates.

“We know that Cesarean deliveries, or C-sections, can be challenging for both moms and babies,” said Grace Firtch, MD, physician in chief Kaiser Permanente Redwood City. “Our care teams are committed to providing the best outcomes for the families we serve.”

For more information on the California 2021 Maternity Care Honor Roll visit https://calhospitalcompare.org/programs/maternity-care-honor-roll/