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Okanogan Douglas Hospital
Is
"Baby Friendly"
Baby-Friendly USA announced recently that ODH has received prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly hospital.
Baby-Friendly USA is the 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 that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding”, 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.
Currently, there are 42 Baby Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The “Baby Friendly” designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. With outstanding support from the entire Brewster medical community and local hospital patrons, the survey was conducted on February 23 and 24. Monetary support to fund the educational requirements for this effort came from the Okanogan County Breastfeeding Coalition and various community members.
The hospital medical and nursing staff became interested in the project approximately 4 years ago when a group of hospital patrons requested that the hospital work toward becoming Baby Friendly. New medical research validated the superior qualities of breast milk and benefits of breastfeeding over artificial milk substitute feeds. “It was an easy decision” (to work toward Baby Friendly), said Dr. Linda Niehaus, a local family physician. “The medical literature leaves no doubt that breastfeeding is best for infants. Becoming Baby Friendly is good for the health of our community.”
The official letter received from Baby Friendly praises the hospital saying, “The assessment team and the External Review Board both wish to add their congratulations for the excellent quality of card offered at your facility. We have not previously seen such wonderful statistics in exclusive breastfeeding in a U.S. facility.” Emily Canwell, Director of Nursing Services, sums the achievement up this way, “We think we give good care, but it’s always nice to know a prestigious international organization things so too.”Questions regarding Baby Friendly may be directed to Sheryl Smith (509-689-8900) or Emily Canwell (509-689-2517).
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