FREMONT, Calif., –Washington Hospital has earned the distinction as a “Baby-Friendly
Hospital” from the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global
program launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The designation recognizes hospitals
and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding
and mother/baby bonding. Fewer than 175 hospitals in the U.S. are “Baby-Friendly.”
“I’m very proud of our dedicated staff at the birthing center
for earning this designation,” said Nancy Farber, chief executive
officer of Washington Hospital Healthcare System. “Being a ‘Baby-Friendly
Hospital’ is an important honor and an acknowledgement of the first-rate
care that our birthing center provides to the mothers who choose to give
birth at our Hospital.”
According to Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body for the Baby-Friendly
Hospital Initiative in the U.S., the BFHI assists hospitals in giving
all mothers the information, confidence, and skills necessary to successfully
initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or feeding formula safely,
and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so. The initiative
is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“We are very excited about becoming a Baby-Friendly Hospital. We’ve
been working to achieve this designation for a long time,” said
Christine Bedgood, R.N., one of Washington Hospital’s trained lactation
consultants. “It affirms that we are providing the healthiest possible
start for babies and, ultimately, this is good for the entire community.”
Studies also show that, as they grow up, breastfed babies tend to be less
likely to suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes or obesity. Besides
the emotional benefits of the close relationship formed between breastfeeding
mothers and babies, moms who breastfeed have been shown to experience
decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.
“Breastfeeding is not just about babies, it’s about children,”
added Bedgood. “The positive health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding
for the first six months of life have been shown to continue with fewer,
less serious childhood illnesses.” For more information on birthing
services at Washington Hospital visit whhs.com/womens-health/pregnancy.
About Washington Township Health Care District:
Washington Township Health Care District is governed by an elected board
of directors. Unlike a municipal or county hospital, Washington Hospital’s
operating expenses, research, community programs, and employee salaries
are funded by revenues generated through providing patient and other health
care services. Washington Hospital Healthcare System includes a 353-bed
acute-care hospital; the Taylor McAdam Bell Neuroscience Institute; The
Gamma Knife® Center; Washington Radiation Oncology Center; Washington
Outpatient Surgery Center; Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center;
The Institute for Joint Restoration and Research; the Institute for Minimally
Invasive and Robotic Surgery; and Washington West, a complex which houses
Washington Women’s Center, Outpatient Imaging Center, Sandy Amos
R.N. Infusion Center, Washington Urgent Care and additional outpatient
hospital services and administrative facilities.