MetroHealth Receives Prestigious Baby-Friendly Designation

The MetroHealth System has achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation, demonstrating the System’s commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

The distinguished international certification is awarded by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for awarding the accreditation in the United States. The designation indicates that MetroHealth is adhering to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the first days of a newborn’s life.

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. According to the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, breast milk is a live substance uniquely suited to meet an infant’s nutritional needs, providing unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect both mothers and children against illnesses and diseases.

“MetroHealth has long been a recognized leader in the care of women and newborns,” said Kimberly Green, MSN, RN, Vice President, Women and Children Services. “This designation is a tribute to our commitment to ensuring that everyone who delivers a baby at our facility is given the resources, information and support needed to help themselves and their baby get the best, healthiest start in life.”

MetroHealth joins more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 488 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

“MetroHealth is committed to providing the support, education and resources moms need to successfully initiate breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding when they leave our care,” said Sara Albrecht MN, RNC-OB, Childbirth Education and Lactation Manager. “This achievement is the culmination of more than four years of hard work from multiple departments, and we want to thank everyone who was part of that collaboration.”

Donald Wiper, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, added, “We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our team members throughout the Baby-Friendly designation process. MetroHealth is committed to implementing this evidence-based care 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.”