Breastfeeding Needs Hospital Support

According to a new report issued by the University of California at Davis Human Lactation Center (UCD HLC), weak hospital policies in low-income areas may be part of the problem.

The study, sponsored by the California WIC Association (CWA), ranks nearly every hospital in the state in terms of the rate of new mothers who breastfeed while in the hospital. The analysis reveals disturbing differences, demonstrating that breastfeeding is lowest in hospitals serving mostly ethnic, low-income mothers and babies. Eight of the 15 lowest ranking hospitals were in Los Angeles County.

"The differences in exclusive breastfeeding rates are a reflection of how the hospital supports or doesn’t support breastfeeding mothers," said Karen Peters, executive director of the Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles. "[New mothers] clearly desire to breastfeed – but what is happening during their hospital stay?"

Optimistically, the report goes on to show that, when hospitals improve their newborn feeding policies and practices, they can dramatically increase their breastfeeding rates. "By releasing [the report] A Fair Start for Better Health: California Hospitals Must Close the Gap in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates, CWA and our local affiliates want to strongly urge hospitals, including those serving low-income mothers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to adopt and follow guidelines recommended by the California Department of Public Health," said Karen Farley, registered dietitian, lactation consultant and program manager for CWA.

Click below to learn more about the following:

• The CWA Breastfeeding Report

• The Model Policies
• Hospital breastfeeding rates