For more information, contact Community Relations at:
01/22/2015
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH) has received international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility recognizing the WDH Women & Children Center’s efforts to provide an optimum level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding. WDH upholds the WHO international Code of Marketing of Breastfeeding Substitutes by offering educational materials that promote human milk rather than other infant food or drinks, and refusing to accept or distribute free or subsidized supplies of breast milk substitutes or other feeding devices.
According to Women & Children’s nurse Angela Chapman BSN, RN, IBCLC, the health of babies, mothers, and the community begins with breastfeeding. “We are thrilled that Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been awarded the prestigious, world-recognized Baby-Friendly Designation.” Chapman said. “The designation was achieved through the team work and the dedication of the perinatal health care team of obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, lactation consultants and Birth Center staff who are committed to providing the best in breastfeeding care to new families.”
This international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 171 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. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is the only NH Seacoast hospital with this designation.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital provides lactation consultants and a new Parent Breastfeeding support Group. Breastfeeding rooms are also available at WDH for employees and visitors.