Yale New Haven Hospital has once again achieved the international “Baby-Friendly” designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, which bestows this certification in the United States.
“We are very proud and delighted that our team has been once again recognized with this distinction,” said Cynthia Sparer, executive vice president and president of Ambulatory Services, Yale New Haven Health, and executive director, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. “This designation is a tribute to our commitment to ensuring that every patient is given the resources, information and support needed, should they choose to breastfeed.”
Baby-Friendly designation recognizes YNHH’s ongoing adherence to the highest standards of care for individuals who choose to breastfeed and their babies. These standards are based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for infant feeding and support in the first days of a newborn’s life.
“The hospital experience strongly influences an individual’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” said Katherine Campbell, MD, medical director of Labor and Birth, Postpartum and the Maternal Special Care units at YNHH. “We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation to ensure that those delivering at YNHH who intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are fully supported.”
