Click on the link below to learn more about our team.
Our Mission:
We aim to practice foundational pediatrics. Our definition of this includes:
Improving breastfeeding medicine access across the entire State of Hawaii, with minimal financial and physical barriers through utilizing insurance-based coverage for in-person and telemedicine access.
Using best practice, evidence-based medicine to guide patient-care that are in-line with standard national guidelines.
To provide additional supportive care, as it relates to breastfeeding medicine and general pediatrics, including, but not limited to, nutrition, sleep and behavior guidance.
We are following guidelines put forth by the federal government that women should be able to receive breastfeeding support and care from their insurance companies without cost-sharing. It is impossible to completely help a woman with her breastfeeding needs, without being able to evaluate and treat the baby as well.
Insurance companies in Hawaii support breastfeeding, however they require cost-sharing among consumers.
We have created a GoFundMe campaign to allow for donations to support our vision of allowing mothers in Hawaii to access breastfeeding care without cost-sharing, as was intended by the Federal Government and supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Mahinaona. The name of our practice is an homage to the Crown of Leahi, otherwise known as Diamond Head. This uncommon reference celebrates Diamond Head as a key physical landmark for spiritual practices when the changing of the seasons, from the wet season to the dry season, was marked by the specific movement as the sun made its way to set across the sky. Our practice reflects this sentiment - a desire to welcome a new “season” of medicine; one that focuses on optimizing health at its core, from its foundation, and through this, naturally prevent illnesses through the support of HEALTH.
Certified IBCLC - ID#: L-130105
S T A F F
Lisa Kahikina MD, Physician Owner
Lokelani Rodrigues, Lead Medical Assistant
Dionna Peralta, Medical Assistant
Sean McNamara, Office Manager
Breastfeeding improves the health of women: reduces the risk of reproductive cancers, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers. It improves gestational diabetes, encourages healthy weight loss postpartum, and may even improve bone density once breastfeeding is discontinued. Improved infant-bonding because of the need to respond appropriately to feeding cues in order to successfully breastfeed improves mother's calmness and increases feelings of love through increased levels of oxytocin driven by the nursing process.
Breastfeeding improves infant health: provides the healthy bacteria needed that may reduce the risk of obesity and inflammatory-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, eczema, and diabetes. It reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It supports healthy brain development. The regular closeness an infant has with its mother due to the breastfeeding process provides a sense of security, reducing anxiety in infants, further allowing stability in the development of the brain.
And the benefits breastfeeding provides to mothers and infants, infants who then grow up to be producers and contributors to our society and our world, means that by supporting breastfeeding, we are truly supporting a future-oriented health movement. And that's the kind of business we want to be in.