Baby-Friendly USA announced that Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) Plymouth Medical Center has received the prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding created by WHO and UNICEF, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
“Having the tools and resources available to new moms is key to helping them feel comfortable and to breastfeed successfully,” said Amy Murray, administrative director, Maternal Child Services. “Our one-on-one time from our trained nurses is invaluable to teach moms the techniques and watch for problems that can interrupt breastfeeding.”
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide, and 495active 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.
“We are privileged to help our new moms and dads on this journey with the standard of care that they deserve,” said Dan Kunde, administrator, Plymouth Medical Center. “Welcoming a new child into a family is one of the most significant times in the lives of our patients.”
Other markers of a Baby-Friendly hospital include the practice of immediate skin-to-skin contact, 24-hour rooming with baby and learning a baby’s feeding cues, regardless of feeding choices.
About Saint Joseph Health System
Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) is a not-for-profit healthcare system located in North Central Indiana that offers acute-based hospital care and post-acute services including: community wellness, physical rehabilitation, home care, physician clinics, outpatient services, independent and assisted senior living, memory care and affordable senior apartments. SJHS includes: Mishawaka Medical Center; Plymouth Medical Center; Rehabilitation Institute; Outpatient services of the Elm Road Medical Campus; Health Insurance Services; Saint Joseph Physician Network; VNA Home Care; the Senior Living Communities at St. Paul’s, Holy Cross and Trinity Tower; and Saint Joseph PACE. SJHS serves more than 200,000 members of the Michiana community annually. SJHS is a Regional Health Ministry of Trinity Health in Livonia, Michigan.
