Cesarean sections (c-sections) can be important and even lifesaving in some circumstances. However, studies also have found that overuse of c-sections may result in harm and poor outcomes for mothers and babies. In the last few years across California, providers, payers, purchasers, policymakers, and others have been working together to reduce unwarranted variation in low-risk, first-birth c-sections. A key goal is to ensure that c-sections are only being performed when they are absolutely needed.

There is broad agreement that any solution should involve patients in decisions about their care and should promote communication between patients and providers. During the past year, the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC), and Consumer Reports teamed up to develop new consumer education tools. These were designed to educate women about the overuse of c-sections and to encourage them to engage with their care team to support vaginal birth and reduce their chances of having an avoidable c-section. These tools are consistent with — and an important compliment to — the c-section provider toolkit developed by CMQCC.

This webinar discussed how you and your organization can use the research and materials to educate women and promote productive communication about c-sections between women and their care teams.