New Jersey – 4th Highest Cesarean Rate in the Country

If you are not aware, New Jersey’s rate of cesarean birth ranks 4^th highest in the country. However, New Jersey IS improving because it used to hold the distinction of being the highest. Our Governor, Phil Murphy, just signed a law that will require every hospital performing births to report their c-section rates to NJ families. This will tell consumers the safest places to give birth.

Cesarean birth is one of the biggest risks factors for poor outcomes in childbirth. Maternal mortality and severe morbidity have been increasing in the United States and New Jersey fares particularly poorly. It ranks 47th among the 50 states in maternal death, according to America’s Health Rankings, a report by the United Health Foundation (Source).

The Midwives of New Jersey hope to facilitate even more change in our state through the widespread practice of the Midwifery Model of Care. Midwives believe that pregnancy and birth are normal processes in a woman’s life and should be allowed to proceed naturally under the careful observation of her care provider. The Midwives of New Jersey are dedicated to Improving Birth Outcomes in New Jersey and that is partially accomplished by delivering most babies vaginally. Our practice’s overall cesarean rate in 2017 was 10.7%. New Jersey’s cesarean rate in 2017 was 35.9% (Source).

We believe such low rates of surgical birth are possible for most women because most pregnancies are low-risk (Source). The CDC is demanding a lower cesarean rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the cesarean rate should be between 10-15% (Source).

4 Unique Approaches to Reducing the Cesarean Rate in NJ

This November 8^th, we are hosting a conference focused on 4 unique approaches to reducing surgical birth. The New Jersey Symposium for Physiologic Birth: 2018 Avoiding Cesarean will be held at the Bridgewater Marriott. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Neel Shah who will present his work with Ariadne Labs focused on how the physical plant of hospitals affects Cesarean Section rates.

We will hear also from Suzanne Spernal from Monmouth Medical Center. She will present the amazing work Monmouth has done to reduce their section rate to the lowest in the state. Suzanne will talk specifically about changing the culture in the labor and delivery unit to be more vaginal birth friendly.

We have Christa Sakowski from the California Collaborative presenting the amazing work her state has done to Improve Birth Outcomes in California. We will have a legislative update from Jill Wodnick MA, LCCE, CLC, IMH-E®(II) because to make birth change, we need to have the right tools including friendly legislation.

Lastly, Lisa Lederer CNM, the President of Midwives of New Jersey, LLC, will present how providers and hospitals can involve expectant families in the effort to Improve Birth Outcomes in New Jersey.

All of our speakers are current or previous New Jersey residents.

This conference could not be any more timely. All Obgyn’s, Midwives, Nurses, Doulas, Hospital Administrators and all other birth workers who are interested in saving New Jersey mothers’ lives should attend. The conference will provide the opportunity for discussion and collaboration to increase the energy and excitement for change.

You can learn more and register here for The New Jersey Symposium for Physiologic Birth: 2018.

We are also offering an opportunity for New Jersey companies to sponsor this important event!