A report issued by the University of California at Davis Human Lactation Center and sponsored by the California WIC Association names Marin General Hospital among the top ten hospitals in the state for supporting new moms in their decision to breastfeed their babies. Studies have linked breastfeeding to a lower incidence of childhood obesity, diabetes and many infections and cancers.

The report, “A Fair Start for Better Health: California Hospitals Must Close the Gap in Exclusive Breastfeed-ing Rates,” compares nearly every hospital in the state with regard to the rate of new moms who exclusively breastfeed while in the hospital.

“The findings are particularly compelling because in California, more than 86 percent of new moms enter the hospital expecting to breastfeed, yet less than half of these women leave the hospital breastfeeding exclusively. The rest of the women use supplemental formula or other fluids provided by the hospital,” said Chris Costello, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant at MGH. “Breastfeeding benefits infants and moms in many ways. Our Lactation Center consultants, nurses and medical staff work very hard to ensure babies and moms get the best start with breastfeeding.”

Last year, MGH was recognized as the top hospital in the state for breastfeeding. MGH’s rating is still strong, but dropped because of new study methodology.

Jan 17, 2008