NVRH Receives Prestigious Baby-Friendly Re-Designation
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (October 22, 2024) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is proud to announce that, after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, it has achieved the prestigious international Baby-Friendly re-designation.
Baby-Friendly USA 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). This re-designation demonstrates that NVRH is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by WHO and UNICEF for optimal infant feeding support in the first days of a newborn’s life.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our team members throughout the Baby-Friendly process,” NVRH Lactation Consultant and nurse, Carol Moore-Whitney said. “NVRH is committed to providing the support, education and resources moms need. This designation is a tribute to our commitment to help all families get the best, healthiest start in life.”
The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies… Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.”
“The hospital experience strongly influences a mother’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” NVRH Midwife Jade Kaplan, CNM said. “We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation to ensure that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are fully supported.”
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 563 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every individual’s right to make the best decision for themselves and their family.
“This designation is the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination across our organization, all with a goal of helping families get off to a good start,” NVRH Director of Birth Center Laura Emery said. “We are proud to offer an environment that supports best practices shown to increase breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and are committed to give moms who choose to breastfeed the best chance for success.”
NVRH was the first hospital in Vermont to be designated as Baby-Friendly in 1999, and the 19th in the U.S. The space is designed to enhance the birthing experience and bring the care around labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LRDP) into one comfortable room. More than 232 babies were delivered at NVRH last year.