St. Joseph Health, Petaluma Valley Hospital Recognized for Maternity Care

Last month, Cal Hospital Compare, in partnership with the California Health & Human Services Agency, announced the recipients of the 2019 Maternity Care Honor Roll and Petaluma Valley Hospital was among the honorees. The hospital was one of 134 hospitals recognized for meeting or surpassing the statewide target aimed at reducing births via C-section in first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies.

“We are honored to receive this recognition. It is a testament to our talented caregivers who are committed to ensuring the best outcomes for our new mothers and babies,” said Tyler Hedden, interim chief executive at St. Joseph Health, Sonoma County.

In 2015, the California Health and Human Services Agency began recognizing hospitals for meeting the 23.9% statewide target for C-sections. 1 This is important because for mothers, overuse of cesarean sections (C-sections) can result in higher rates of complications like 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.2 As noted on Cal Hospital Compare, 92.7% of mothers who give birth at Petaluma Valley Hospital breastfeed their babies—well above average compared to other providers. Petaluma Valley Hospital has received numerous recognitions for its maternity care. The hospital also was listed on the Cal Hospital Compare’s C-Section Honor Roll in 2017 and last year was named a Blue Distinction Center® for Maternity by Blue Shield of California. Click here learn more about the rankings.

Click here learn more about the rankings.