Nov 01, 2019
United Hospital Center received the Baby Friendly designation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for upholding the highest standards of infant feeding care.
Lee Ann Romeo, RNC, CCE, CLC, Childbirth Educator/Lactation Counselor at UHC joins this week's House Call.
1). So, what does the Baby Friendly designation mean?
The Baby Friendly designation means that our hospital has implemented the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding and has completed all the requirements set by Baby Friendly USA to ensure mothers get the best start and support they need to breastfeed their babies.
Baby Friendly is a worldwide breastfeeding quality improvement project created by the WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) UHC is one of only four hospitals in our state with this prestigious designation.
2). Why is breastfeeding so important?
Breastmilk is the optimal way to provide nourishment to a newborn. Most mothers with guidance and support can successfully breastfeed.
Breastmilk provides life protecting antibodies, perfect nutrition, and many benefits to mothers as well.
Infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Ear and respiratory infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants.
Breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers.
It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition.
3). Any tips to help new mothers or expectant mothers be successful with breastfeeding?
First get educated. Go to a prenatal breastfeeding class.
Secondly, gather resources, know where you can go or who to call for help after the baby comes.
UHC has a breastfeeding support group that meets once a month, this is an excellent place to find help.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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