Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion at Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) announced that it has received prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility from Baby-Friendly USA.
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.
“Achieving Baby Friendly Designation is a result of years of preparation; making small changes along the way to educate, implement policy changes and to create a culture where breastfeeding support is a focus as we assist mothers in achieving their breastfeeding goals,” said Nicole Lescota, director of operations for Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion. “As a Baby-Friendly hospital, Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion demonstrates our commitment to high quality maternity care.”
Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to success-fully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
Currently there are seven active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in Georgia, and 417 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.
Further information about the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative may be obtained at: www.babyfriendlyusa.org.
