Rockledge Regional Medical Center Recognized By Florida Surgeon General for Ensuring Safety of New Moms, Babies
By Space Coast Daily // July 15, 2022
RRMC maintains a low C-section rate of 14.8% in 2021

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, Florida Surgeon General, recognized Rockledge Regional Medical Center as one of 26 Florida hospitals to achieve one of the lowest cesarean section rates in the state, as measured by The Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration.
This effort is part of the Healthy People 2030 initiative to reduce C-section deliveries for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies.
The goal set by the Florida Department of Health and Agency for Health Care Administration, for all maternity hospitals, was to achieve 23.6% or below C-section rates in 2020. Steward Family Birthplace at Rockledge Medical Center achieved a rate of 16.3%.
“Safety is always our priority,” states Nefertari D. Esemuede, MD, an obstetrician with The Family Birthplace at Rockledge Regional Medical Center. “Our motto or goal is always Healthy Baby, Healthy Mom.
In certain circumstances, C-sections may be medically necessary to ensure the health and well-being of the baby and the mother, but medically unnecessary C-sections can pose serious health risks.
These health risks can include increased rates of hemorrhage, transfusions, infections, deadly blood clots, and increased postpartum readmissions. Babies face increased risks of infection, respiratory issues, decreased breastfeeding rates, and longer hospital stays.
“Also, women who deliver via c-section for their first birth have a much greater chance of having a C-section for subsequent births, increasing their risk for major complications.”
Tom Bowden, Chief Administration Officer for Rockledge Regional Medical Center added, “This award is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of the staff at Steward Family Birthplace. The entire team understands the benefits and importance of a vaginal births for first time mothers.”
Rockledge Regional Medical Center, The Florida Department of Health, and the Agency for Health Care Administration share a common goal to improve maternal and child health outcomes and understand
the importance of eliminating unnecessary C-sections, delivering a healthier beginning and a healthier future for moms and babies.
Rockledge Regional Medical Center continues to maintain a low C-section rate for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies, reporting only 14.8% in 2021.
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