In order to give you as much information as possible about the Birthplace, we have compiled the following data. The definitions given will help you understand the statistics and use the information so you can know what to expect, learn more about your choices, and plan for your baby’s birth.
Most of the numbers are percentages of all the deliveries at the hospital during a given year. For example, if one birth out of five is by cesarean section, the cesarean rate will be 20%. If half of births use the external electronic fetal monitor only, the number given will be 50%.
We encourage you to take childbirth preparation classes with us or schedule a tour so you can learn more about us! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding these statistics. 413-773-2253
This information is being shared with you in compliance with Massachusetts law.
STATISTICS AND DEFINITIONS:
Total deliveries for period October 1, 2011 , to September 30, 2012…….465
| 13% |
Primary Cesarean Sections: The mother’s first cesarean regardless of whether she has given birth vaginally before. |
52% |
Women who received intravenous therapy: Women who have a needle with connective tubing inserted into a vein, usually in the hand or arm, for the purpose of administering fluids and/or medication. |
| 9% |
Repeat Cesarean Sections: A cesarean when the mother has had one or more cesarean births before. |
1% |
Women who had episiotomies. An episiotomy is a small incision made in the perineum before the baby is born. This is done to prevent the mother’s vaginal tissue from tearing during the birthing process |
| 22% |
Cesarean Sections: The percentage of all births that were by cesarean section. A Cesarean is when the doctor takes the baby out through the mother’s abdomen by a surgical operation. |
31% |
Labors that were monitored by continuous external mode: An external monitor is a machine that measures the baby’s heart rate and the contractions by two belts that are fastened around the mother’s abdomen. The heart rate, which can be a sign of the baby’s well-being, may also be checked by listening through the mother’s abdomen. |
| 20% |
Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean: When the mother has had a cesarean before, but delivers this baby vaginally. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, this is a safe alternative.
|
2% |
Labors that were monitored by continuous internal mode: An internal monitor is the same machine as the external monitor except the baby’s heart rate is measured by a wire that is placed through the vagina (birth canal) and fastened under the skin of the baby’s scalp. Usually, the external belt will still be used to measure contractions. |
| 78% |
Deliveries in birthing rooms and labor-delivery-recovery/postpartum rooms: The percentage of all deliveries that took place in the same room where the mother labored, rather than moving her to a separate delivery or operating room. |
33% |
Labors that were monitored continuously by external and/or internal modes. |
| 22% |
Deliveries in surgical delivery room. Includes all cesareans & high risk deliveries, such as twins. |
18% |
Labors that were induced: Inductions are when labor is started by artificial means rather than waiting for it to begin on its own. Usually a drug called Pitocin is given through an intravenous line in the mother’s arm. The membranes (bag of waters) may also be broken. |
| 27% |
Labors that were augmented: When labor contractions are helped along by an artificial means usually with a drug called Pitocin. This is usually done because the contractions the mother is having are not strong enough or regular enough to dilate the cervix and cause the labor to progress. |
0% |
Women delivered by forceps. |
| 2% |
Women who received general anesthesia. When the mother is put to sleep for the birth. It is necessary for very rare, severe emergencies. |
74% |
Percentage of women breastfeeding on discharge: The percentage of all mothers who are breastfeeding when they go home from the hospital. Breastfeeding, even for a short period, has many health benefits for babies. |
| 15% |
Women who received spinal anesthesia. When drugs are injected into the mother’s back so she will not feel any pain below her breast or waist. With a vaginal delivery she is awake but may be unable to push the baby out without assistance. Spinal anesthesia is more often used for Cesarean delivery. |
76% |
Women delivered by a Certified Nurse Midwife |
| 40% |
Women who received epidural analgesia/anesthesia. When a drug is injected into the mother’s back so she will not feel pain below her breasts or waist. She is still awake. It is used in active labor, delivery and for Cesarean sections. |
5%
|
Deliveries in the waterbirth tub: Water birthing benefits include greater comfort and mobility for the mother; reduced pressure on the abdomen; deeper relaxation and lowered blood pressure.
|
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:
THE BIRTHPLACE, BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER
164 HIGH STREET
GREENFIELD, MA 01301
TEL. # (413) 773-2253
