[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 19300-19301]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORT OF KAISER PERMANENTE'S INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE BREASTFEEDING AND 
                       PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2011

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a new Kaiser Permanente 
initiative to encourage breastfeeding as an important component of 
preventing childhood obesity and promoting other health benefits. 
Kaiser is implementing a systemwide program to ensure mothers are 
provided ample breastfeeding education and support. They will track 
their successes as a measure of hospital quality.
  Research suggests breastfeeding has multiple benefits for baby and 
mother alike.

[[Page 19301]]

Breastfed babies have a lowered risk of childhood obesity as well as 
allergies, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome. Nursing reduces a 
mother's risk of post-partum depression, Type 2 diabetes, ovarian and 
breast cancer.
  Family- and patient-centered prevention initiatives like this will 
play an enormous role in battling America's toughest health care 
challenges. Kaiser's new breastfeeding initiative is an example of how 
a commitment to prevention can positively impact health outcomes.
  Health care in America must shift from its singular focus on treating 
disease to incorporating a strong commitment to prevention. I encourage 
other major health care providers to follow Kaiser's example.

                          ____________________