In-Hospital Breastfeeding Initiation Data
MO-11-0056 BFP
California in-hospital infant feeding practices are monitored using data collected by the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program. All non-military hospitals providing maternity services are required to complete the Newborn Screening Test Form. In addition to tracking genetic diseases and metabolic disorders, the NBS program gathers data on all infant feedings from birth to time of specimen collection, usually 24 to 48 hours since birth. The Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program staff analyze these data and publish breastfeeding rates by hospital, county and the State.
Changes to Data Analyses Methodology
In-Hospital breastfeeding data for 2010 and 2011 should not be compared to data published in prior years (2004-2007, 2008 or 2009) due to revisions to the NBS data collection tool (NBS Form) as well as changes in our data analysis methodology during this time period.
The primary change, the exclusion of data for infants that were in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nursery at the time of specimen collection, was done in order to better align with the new perinatal quality measure on exclusive breast milk feeding endorsed by the National Quality Forum, the Joint Commission and the Leapfrog Group. Perinatal Quality Measure on Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding (PDF)
Hospital Level Data Tables, 2011
These tables provide breastfeeding initiation rates for local hospitals, counties and the State. Information is also presented by race/ethnicity.
County Level Data Tables, 2011
These tables provide county level in-hospital breastfeeding initiation rates by maternal county of residence. Information is also presented by race/ethnicity.
County of Residence
Data for Previous Years
California Hospital Breastfeeding Rates Reports
Using in-hospital breastfeeding initiation data reported by the California Department of Public Health, Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Program (MCAH), the University of California, Davis, Human Lactation Center has published a series of reports highlighting hospital-level breastfeeding rates and disparities across the state. These reports were funded and distributed by the California WIC Association.
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