Influential Breastfeeding Group Taps Sutter Health Network as New Member

SACRAMENTO, Calif., November 28, 2005 – The Sutter Health network of not-for-profit hospitals and physicians has become the first health care organization named a "state member" of the California Breastfeeding Coalition. The influential breastfeeding group recognizes Sutter Health's Breastfeeding Committee for its demonstrated leadership in the promotion of breastfeeding and its advantages for children.

"The committee, which represents 20 birthing units across our system, is committed to providing seamless education and support to new mothers, families, hospital staff and physicians," said Stephanie McNear, women's project manager, Sutter Health Women's and Children's Service Line.

The breastfeeding section of Sutter's 'Guide to Your Pregnancy and Newborn' and the new brochure "I'm Breastfeeding, Now What?" are two examples of the exceptional tools the committee has developed to support breastfeeding moms.

"Breastfeeding gives children the healthiest start possible in life, and Sutter Health is dedicated to providing the best quality care to our patients – no matter what their age," said Robyn Fonbuena, Chair of the Breastfeeding Committee.

The content the Breastfeeding Committee developed was instrumental in the development of the breastfeeding information found on the Sutter Health's pregnancy and birthing Web site www.babies.sutterhealth.org. The site has received two awards for outstanding content and user friendly functionality. Sutter Health's Spanish-language web site for pregnancy and birthing, www.bebes.sutterhealth.org, receives visits from almost every Spanish-speaking country in the world.

More than 41,000 babies are born every year at the Sutter Health system's 20 birthing units.

As a member of the California Breastfeeding Coalition, the Sutter Health Breastfeeding Committee can now work collaboratively with other coalition members (which include research institutions, state agencies and associations, health care plans, individual hospitals and community-based breastfeeding support groups) to help create a more healthful California through the promotion and support of breastfeeding.

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Contact
Kami Lloyd
(916) 286-6680
lloydk@sutterhealth.org