MedStar Designated as Baby-Friendly
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown has received a prestigious international honor. The hospital has been recognized as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility by Baby-Friendly USA, part of a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) recognizes and encourages hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The award is based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and is given to the facilities that offer the best in support, confidence, information, and skills to mothers so they can successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
Worldwide, there are more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birthing centers. The US is home to 405 of these centers. The designation is given after an on-site survey is complete, and then maintained as the centers continue to practice the Ten Steps.
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are only 405 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The Baby-Friendly designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital strives to go beyond the birth experience and support mothers in a variety of ways. Each week, the hospital offers a program through Health Connections for breastfeeding mothers, in which they can join other breastfeeding mothers from 10 am to noon each Wednesday. The mothers are able to discuss the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding together and with lactation consultants, forging a support network that encourages the continuation of breastfeeding at a pace that works for mother and baby.
For more information and one-click access to a full list of resources available at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, visit its Leader Page.
