Kaiser Hayward’s Perinatal Services are dedicated to encouraging and supporting breastfeeding as the best choice for all babies

• The decision whether or not to breastfeed should be an informed choice made by the mother. Our Obstetrics Services offer breastfeeding information, counseling, and evaluation to each mother during her prenatal visits and classes.

• During labor and delivery, our Obstetric nurses support mothers and welcome a family member or friend to stay with them continuously through their delivery and recovery period.

• Infants are put to the breast, providing skin-to-skin contact within the first half-hour of life where feasible, either in the delivery room or recovery area. For Cesarean births, this will be initiated as soon as mother is stable and able to respond to her infant.

• Mothers and infants are not separated from each other unless medically necessary.

• Our nurses are trained to assist mothers in initiating breastfeeding, proper breastfeeding technique, and evaluating any problems that may develop. The mother-baby pair will be observed and assisted throughout their hospitalization.

• Certified Lactation Consultants are available both during hospital stay and postpartum for breastfeeding problem-solving and support.

• Our staff discourages the use of bottles, pacifiers and nipple covers for feeding because these may interfere with the baby learning to breastfeed.

• Kaiser Hayward does not provide commercial materials which promote or encourage bottlefeeding, or interfere with breastfeeding.

• Infants are seen within a few days of birth to evaluate their health and breastfeeding progress, and lactation assistance is provided as needed. Followup visits are made for weight assessment as well as regular postpartum care where indicated.

• Classes are offered for mothers who wish to continue to breastfeed after returning to work. We recommend breastfeeding for the first full year of life.

OUR GOAL IS THE HEALTHIEST, HAPPIEST BABY YOU CAN HAVE
THAT’S WHY WE’RE BABY FRIENDLY