Bayhealth is pleased to announce its hospital on the Kent Campus has been re-designated as Baby-Friendly. Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus is the first hospital in Delaware to receive a Baby-Friendly re-designation this year.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., who administers the international award, says it’s given as part of a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) called the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. More specifically, the award is presented to birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
“The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative also includes access to education on all methods of effective, safe feeding for infants based on individualized circumstances and choices,” said Bayhealth Lactation Services Program Coordinator Gail Smith, RN, IBCLC.
The Baby-Friendly re-designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice what are known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, as demonstrated by quality processes.
“We are very proud of our re-designation,” said Bayhealth Women’s and Children’s Services Senior Director Ronnie Kopec, RN, MS, NE-BC. “As a Baby-Friendly hospital, we know that breast milk is the best choice for a newborn’s nourishment. We also ensure moms are given correct and evidence-based information, so they can make an informed decision about feeding their infants, which we respect and support.”
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus underwent its on-site survey by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. in early March. Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus was assessed in mid-April, and the organization is awaiting the results of that site visit.
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently, there are 569 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. Visit BabyFriendlyUsa.org for more information about the designation and the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
Visit Bayhealth.org/Breastfeeding-Support to learn more about how Bayhealth supports breastfeeding through education and other lactation services.
