Educational Programs

Breastfeeding Promotion –
Implementing Model Hospital Policies

Introduction

The Perinatal Council, Regional Perinatal Program of California Region 10, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, is dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies in our community and endorses breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding.

As part of the State of California Breastfeeding Promotion Initiative: Implementing Model Hospital Policies, (2005), Kaiser Permanente Northern California developed a curriculum which addresses Expanded Hospital Policy #1, “Hospitals should promote and support breastfeeding and ensure ongoing education for all staff.”

This evidence based staff training program is an interdisciplinary breastfeeding management course specifically designed for hospitals and clinicians. References are included and the interventions recommended are considered to be best practice as determined by consensus of the Kaiser Area Lactation Associates and Breastfeeding Task Force.

We hope it will inform and assist you with any breastfeeding promotion efforts in your community clinic, hospital or private practice.

Excellence in Breastfeeding I
This program is presented in a three part videoconference that discusses a wide variety of topics including historical and current factors, anatomy and physiology of the breast and lactation, contraindications to breastfeeding and the influence of the perinatal nurse.

Excellence in Breastfeeding II
This program is a four part videoconference that discusses international and national breastfeeding strategies and health goals, evidence based practice, non-latching infants and the management of problems with the breast.