Why Choose a Baby-Friendly Hospital?

MetroHealth has been verified by a third-party (Baby-Friendly USA) that holds us accountable to the highest standards for mother/baby care practices related to infant feeding. We are prepared to help you, and your new baby get off to the best start.

Delivery and Mother Baby staff are trained in how to educate and support our breastfeeding families. Whenever possible, babies are kept close to their mothers right after birth so that they can breastfeed as they are ready. Policies allow healthy babies and their mothers to stay together day and night (rooming in), so they have the best chance to get to know each other.

Being together gives you more opportunities to learn about normal newborn baby behavior while you are caring for your baby or watching as the staff provide care. Our breastfeeding specialists will assess your baby’s feeding so that any early problems can be taken care of quickly and will share education with you to meet your specific feeding goals.

MetroHealth’s goal is that you leave the hospital with the skills and confidence to continue your breastfeeding journey. Also, if you do end up with breastfeeding problems after you and your baby go home, we have a weekly TLC (The Lactation Club) support group and offer appointments to see a provider in our breastfeeding clinic where your concerns can be addressed.

What to Expect from a Baby-Friendly Hospital

When you give birth at a Baby-Friendly facility, here’s what you can expect — from pregnancy to going home.

During Pregnancy

• Respect - You will be educated on the benefits of breastfeeding and will receive support from our staff whether you choose to breastfeed or choose not to.
• Helpful Conversations - We’ll help you feel more confident by sharing with you the things you can do to prepare to be a breastfeeding parent. Your partner or support person can also be involved in these conversations so that they can learn ways to help with breastfeeding.

Birth & First Days

• Skin-to-Skin Care - Right after birth, your baby will rest on your bare chest for at least an hour if there are no medical reasons that skin-to-skin can’t be done until later. This helps your baby feel safe, is great for bonding, and has been shown to make breastfeeding more successful.
• Expert Care - Doctors, midwives, and nurses at Baby-Friendly hospitals receive extra training to help you with feeding your baby. They will teach you how to notice your baby’s feeding cues (signs of hunger), how to help your baby get a good latch, know that your baby is getting enough milk, and how to safely prepare formula if you have decided that is part of your baby’s feeding plan.

Throughout Your Stay

• Staying in the Same Room - Your baby will stay in your hospital room if there aren’t medical reasons that they must separate from you. This helps you bond, learn your baby’s feeding cues, and respond to their needs. Know that after delivery you are tired and breastfeeding hormones make you even more tired, so if you are worried about falling asleep while holding or caring for your baby, tell your nurse. They can watch your baby in the nursery so that you can get some sleep.
• Help with Breastfeeding - Your breast milk is the best food for your baby. Breastfed babies start life off strong and protected from sickness. Once we know you are breastfeeding one of our specialists will spend time with you either helping your baby to feed, or helping you pump if your baby is separated from you. If our specialists are taking care of other patients, know that your nurse can help with this as well.
• If you don’t already have a breast pump to use at home, we will work with your insurance company or through our financial assistance program to see if you are eligible to receive a free or low-cost pump.

Going Home

• Support After You Leave - We want you to reach your infant feeding goals and adjust smoothly to life with your baby at home. Before you leave, we will give you a list of support groups and local resources that can help if breastfeeding problems happen before your next appointment.
• MetroHealth has a TLC (The Lactation Club) support group that meets in person on Monday afternoons and virtually on Wednesday afternoons.
• You can make a Breastfeeding Clinic appointment when spots are available with Dr. Lauren Combs at our main campus or Broadway locations.
• You are not alone — we are here to support you and your baby every step of the way!