Dawn McKinster
March 2025
Dawn
McKinster
,
RN
Pediatrics
Kaiser Permanente Ambulatory Care San Diego
San Diego
,
CA
United States
With Dawn’s support, I can see hope in my wife’s eyes again and my child beginning to eat from the breast.
I wanted to take a moment to highlight the outstanding work of one of our nurses, a Pediatric Lactation Consultant named Dawn McKinster. Dawn, who works closely with new mothers to ensure they have the resources and support needed for successful breastfeeding, has consistently demonstrated exceptional care and dedication to our members, earning continuous recognition (13 submissions to date) and heartfelt appreciation from patients. Providing the best possible care has made a significant impact on the lives of those she serves. Patients frequently express their gratitude for her kindness and professionalism, and it is clear that she goes above and beyond in her role.
I believe it is important for us to consider ways to elevate and recognize Dawn further. I am confident that by acknowledging Dawn's exceptional work, we can not only show our appreciation but also inspire others to strive for excellence in patient care.
I am sharing some meaningful recognition:
When I came into my first appointment with Lactation, I was a wreck, both physically and mentally. Despite having taken multiple breastfeeding classes prior to delivering the baby, we could not figure out how to get our newborn to latch without making my nipples bleed. Dawn was not only knowledgeable and helpful in resolving our complex breastfeeding challenges, but she was also kind and gave us the hope that we so desperately needed as new parents struggling to keep our newborn fed. Without Dawn’s help, we would have most certainly had to quit breastfeeding, and I would potentially have become very, very sick from mastitis. She gave us the courage and knowledge we needed to persist. It's the best department in Kaiser! It’s been a journey, and we still have some more work ahead, but we could not have made it without this support!
***
This service has been the most important in our journey with our newborn. I can’t stress enough how impactful it was for my wife to have one-on-one support during her challenging time breastfeeding. Not only has this been important for the development of my child, but for the mental well-being of my wife. She was struggling immensely with postpartum depression, and the difficulty feeding our daughter was devastating to her. With Dawn’s support, I can see hope in my wife’s eyes again and my child beginning to eat from the breast. I can’t thank Dawn enough for her incredible support. And thank you for letting us borrow the pillow.
***
My one-week-old was struggling with her latch, and I was in a lot of pain. Dawn helped and advised me to get a lip/tongue tie procedure and gave me mouth exercises to do with my baby so that she could have a more successful feed. Since the procedure and guidance from Dawn, my baby is getting well-fed, and I am in significantly less pain. I am so grateful for the lactation department and believe that they are a necessity for all new moms who want a successful breastfeeding experience!
***
The lactation department has helped immensely in our breastfeeding journey to identify and overcome challenges to breastfeeding and ensure we reach our goals as parents, making sure the baby is feeding well. They have facilitated connecting to appropriate departments and information to support us as first-time parents, addressing any concerns and questions. I almost gave up on breastfeeding; however, with the support of Dawn and the lactation department, the bond between my baby and I has increased as we navigate this difficult journey.
***
Dawn was incredibly helpful in getting us started breastfeeding. Our baby was losing weight, and breastfeeding was going very badly. I was about ready to give up and just formula-feed because I was so worried about him. She gave us a complete plan of action, and within 4 days (with another helpful follow-up visit), he is completely feeding from the breast. I truly cannot say how much these visits changed the course of my decision to continue breastfeeding. Our baby is thriving and gaining weight quickly now, and I can feed without pain!
I believe it is important for us to consider ways to elevate and recognize Dawn further. I am confident that by acknowledging Dawn's exceptional work, we can not only show our appreciation but also inspire others to strive for excellence in patient care.
I am sharing some meaningful recognition:
When I came into my first appointment with Lactation, I was a wreck, both physically and mentally. Despite having taken multiple breastfeeding classes prior to delivering the baby, we could not figure out how to get our newborn to latch without making my nipples bleed. Dawn was not only knowledgeable and helpful in resolving our complex breastfeeding challenges, but she was also kind and gave us the hope that we so desperately needed as new parents struggling to keep our newborn fed. Without Dawn’s help, we would have most certainly had to quit breastfeeding, and I would potentially have become very, very sick from mastitis. She gave us the courage and knowledge we needed to persist. It's the best department in Kaiser! It’s been a journey, and we still have some more work ahead, but we could not have made it without this support!
***
This service has been the most important in our journey with our newborn. I can’t stress enough how impactful it was for my wife to have one-on-one support during her challenging time breastfeeding. Not only has this been important for the development of my child, but for the mental well-being of my wife. She was struggling immensely with postpartum depression, and the difficulty feeding our daughter was devastating to her. With Dawn’s support, I can see hope in my wife’s eyes again and my child beginning to eat from the breast. I can’t thank Dawn enough for her incredible support. And thank you for letting us borrow the pillow.
***
My one-week-old was struggling with her latch, and I was in a lot of pain. Dawn helped and advised me to get a lip/tongue tie procedure and gave me mouth exercises to do with my baby so that she could have a more successful feed. Since the procedure and guidance from Dawn, my baby is getting well-fed, and I am in significantly less pain. I am so grateful for the lactation department and believe that they are a necessity for all new moms who want a successful breastfeeding experience!
***
The lactation department has helped immensely in our breastfeeding journey to identify and overcome challenges to breastfeeding and ensure we reach our goals as parents, making sure the baby is feeding well. They have facilitated connecting to appropriate departments and information to support us as first-time parents, addressing any concerns and questions. I almost gave up on breastfeeding; however, with the support of Dawn and the lactation department, the bond between my baby and I has increased as we navigate this difficult journey.
***
Dawn was incredibly helpful in getting us started breastfeeding. Our baby was losing weight, and breastfeeding was going very badly. I was about ready to give up and just formula-feed because I was so worried about him. She gave us a complete plan of action, and within 4 days (with another helpful follow-up visit), he is completely feeding from the breast. I truly cannot say how much these visits changed the course of my decision to continue breastfeeding. Our baby is thriving and gaining weight quickly now, and I can feed without pain!