Sutter Davis Hospital Rates High in State for Breastfeeding     10-26-2007

DAVIS -- Sutter Davis Hospital ranked sixth out of more than 250 hospitals throughout the state in the percentage of new mothers breastfeeding their babies exclusively upon leaving the hospital, according to a report released today by the California Department of Public Health.

Of the 1,228 babies born at Sutter Davis Hospital in 2006, 90.2 percent of them were being breastfed exclusively, compared with the statewide average of 42.8 percent. Nearly all of the newborns - 97.6 percent - received some breastfeeding while in the hospital. That is also one of the highest figures in the state.

"Breastfeeding is the best way to give babies a healthy start in life," said Deanie Honsinger, Sutter Davis Hospital Birthing Center manager. "Research shows that breast milk is the best food for your newborn, and there are numerous other benefits, not the least of which is the bonding that mother and baby create through breastfeeding."

The release of the state data comes at a time when Sutter Davis Hospital's Birthing Center is in the process of named a "Baby-Friendly Hospital," a World Health Organization/UNICEF designation that has been given to only approximately 60 hospitals in the United States. "Baby-Friendly" means that SDH is following the 10 evidence-based steps put forth by the WHO and UNICEF to give the best breastfeeding support available.

SDH hopes to have its Baby-Friendly site assessment in 2008. When SDH passes, it will then designated by Baby-Friendly USA as a "Baby-Friendly Hospital," one of only a relative handful in the United States.

SDH's Birthing Center provides each mother with the experience that is most attuned to her preferences and medical needs. Each labor and delivery room has the comfort of a home-like setting, being large, sunny and private, allowing mothers, family and friends to share in the birth experience. Located within the center, a dedicated operating suite is available for Caesarean section or other special procedures. Sutter Davis offers many innovative programs for the expectant mother, including water births, doula program, midwives, active birthing, birthing ball, showers in labor, infant massage and lactation support specialists.

For more information on SDH and its Birthing Center, visit sutterdavis.org.

There Are Many Advantages to Breastfeeding

Here are the benefits of breastfeeding, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Benefits for your baby

• Breast milk strengthens your baby's immune system by providing antibodies that help protect against germs and diseases. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses (and fewer doctors' visits) than babies who are formula-fed.
• Breast milk provides the most ideal nutrition for infants and includes ingredients that help develop your baby's brain.
• Studies show the longer a mother breastfeeds, the less likely her child will become overweight later in life.
• Breastfeeding is a valuable investment in your child's future and your relationship together.
• Breastfeeding offers one-on-one time for you and your newborn. Feeding is the first real connection between you and your baby.
• Breastfeeding provides an emotional bond that helps you and your baby get to know one another.
• The skin-to-skin contact offered by breastfeeding can reduce stress in both the baby and the mother.
• Breastfeeding is better for the environment. Breastfeeding reduces the number of formula cans and bottles thrown away each year, creating a healthier planet for you and your child.

  
  Benefits for mothers

• Studies find women who breastfeed for at least three months often return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly.
• Breastfeeding helps lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancers, along with reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
• It's free! Breastfeeding saves you money by limiting the number of bottles and formula you must buy.

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