Kaiser Permanente Recognized for Encouraging Moms to Breastfeed
Just in time for Mother's Day, Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Northern California regions were honored this week by the California Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC) for leadership in helping new moms learn how to breastfeed and successfully continue nursing their babies once they get home.
"Nursing not only encourages early mother and child bonding, but studies have shown that breastfeeding helps protect babies against lower-respiratory-tract infections, middle-ear infections, eczema, diarrhea and childhood obesity," said Timothy Horton, MD, chief of pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente's Riverside Medical Center.
According to the CBC, it takes about two weeks for the breast milk supply to become established, making this a difficult and challenging time for new moms. Providing timely information and encouragement from lactation specialists can make all the difference.
"A key factor that contributes to successfully establishing the breast milk supply balance between mother and child is eliminating the use of formula," said Karen Peters, a member of the leadership team for the CBC. "Kaiser Permanente is a leader in helping new mothers through this critical step. They are not marketing formula; they are marketing health."
The hospital's rate of mothers who nurse initially is up to 90 percent, with an exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge from the hospital of 60 percent, while up to 50 percent continue for the first six months, said Karen Jenkins, RN, clinical perinatal director, for Kaiser Permanente's Riverside Medical Center, who accepted the award on behalf of the Riverside team and the Southern California region.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children up to 6 months old should be fed mother's milk exclusively. After that, complementary foods rich in iron should be gradually introduced. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also established national objectives for breastfeeding.
Four Kaiser Permanente medical centers have earned the distinction as "baby-friendly hospitals." They are located in Clackamas, Oregon; Hayward, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Riverside, California. There are 18 baby-friendly designated hospitals in California, and 63 in the United States.
May 9, 2008 Kaiser Permanente Newscenter