Breastfeeding

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa is a leader in breastfeeding and has the highest breastfeeding rates at discharge for the Northern California Region. We recommend that you attend a breastfeeding class during your pregnancy to help you prepare to breastfeed your baby.

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy regarding breastfeeding:

“The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.”

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa is also committed to following the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) practices, which supports the exclusive breastfeeding of babies.

All of our nursing staff have been lactation trained, will show mother’s how to initiate and maintain lactation, and assist with breastfeeding support and education. There is also a daytime Lactation Consultant who is a specialist that can assist you with any breastfeeding concerns.

“Skin-to-skin” time is a good time to start breastfeeding and is recommended for newborns right after birth.  Skin-to-skin means that your baby will be placed on your chest, without bedding or clothing in between you and your baby.  We encourage keeping your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible during your hospital stay.

Rooming-in is recommended (this means that your baby can be kept in your room 24 hours a day), which allows you to learn about your baby and their feeding cues.

After you are discharged home, continued lactation support is available through our;

• 24 hours a day advice line at 707-393-4033.
• Breastfeeding appointments in the Pediatric Department at 707-393-4033.
• Breastfeeding Support Group, which is open to our members.

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