Bakersfield Memorial hospital was recently recognized for having one of the lowest C-section rates in California. The hospital was among 104 that have met or surpassed a federal goal aimed at reducing cesarean births for first-time moms with low-risk pregnancies.
"It's been a well received honor that we have achieved and in no small part that we have the hospitalist working here 24/7 to compliment the care of the private physicians" said Dr. Root, chief medical staff officer.
The OB hospitalist program at Bakersfield Memorial was started in 2012 and is the only one in the area. Memorial credits the program with helping to lower their C-section rate to 15 percent, compared to the national average of 33 percent.
"We are basically the safety net for labor and delivery, and we are also here for emergencies in the event there's an immediate need for an OB/GYN", said Dr. Jane van Dis, OB hospitalist
Consumer reports says six in 10 California hospitals had C-section rates above the target for low-risk births. They also report a woman's chance of having a C-section depends in large part on where she delivers and the practice pattern of her physician.
"Every pregnancy that does not have prenatal care is considered high risk pregnancy, hence having an OB hospitalist all the time to manage those patients reduces c-section", said Dr. Root.
You can learn more about maternity care and c-section rates at your hospital here.
