Patched Up!: RSFH Supports S.C. Birth Outcomes Initiative

System continues its Baby Friendly journey with support for national initiative

Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) is pleased to be a participant in the Birth Outcomes Initiative sponsored by the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). A statewide and national effort, the Birth Outcomes Initiative focuses primarily on ending elective inductions prior to 39 weeks for non-medically indicated baby deliveries.

The initiative, supported by Gov. Nikki Haley, is effective Jan. 1, 2013. From that point, SCDHHS and BlueCross BlueShield of S.C. will no longer cover elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks.

The initiative launched in July 2011 with the support of RSFH, and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital -- which opened in November of 2010 -- has always discouraged the practice of elective deliveries.

“Choosing to deliver before 39 weeks without a medical reason can increase complications for the new mom and the baby," said Dr. Meghan Lynch of Mt. Pleasant OB/GYN. "Women who choose to induce delivery solely for convenience may have a higher risk of cesarean section and a longer hospital stay.”

“Waiting for delivery until after 39 weeks gives the newborn more time for the lungs, brain, and liver to develop and for the baby to gain more weight," Dr. Lynch said. "Infants born prior to 39 weeks have an increased risk of complications that can include difficulty feeding and respiratory complications that can lead to intensive care admissions.”

In addition to being ahead of legislation on elective births, Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital is currently working on obtaining its Baby-Friendly Hospital designation. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program sponsored by Baby-Friendly, USA. The effort, launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund in 1991, encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding.

“Our decision to support the Birth Outcomes Initiative and strive for Baby-Friendly designation is due to our commitment to our patients and quality of care,” said Laura Celia, director of RSFH Women’s Services. “These efforts will ensure the best outcomes for both mom and baby.”

According to SCDHHS, eliminating the elective birth practice will save taxpayers more than $1 million a year in delivery costs, and an additional $7 million will be saved through a reduction in hospitalizations for babies. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists makes clear in its guidelines, there should be no elective induction or scheduled Cesarean delivery before 39 weeks without clinical indication.

"Healthcare systems should ensure that maternity care practices provide education and counseling on breastfeeding," said Regina A. Benjamin, MD, MBA US Surgeon General. "Hospitals should become more ‘baby-friendly' by taking steps like those recommended by the UNICEF/WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.”

To learn more about Baby-Friendly, USA visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org. For details on the S.C. Birth Outcomes efforts, visit www.scdhhs.gov.