Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital issued the following announcement on Jan. 9.
AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village has achieved the international Baby-Friendly designation by Baby-Friendly USA.
This honor, bestowed following a rigorous review process, validates that AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Elk Grove Village is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, according to officials at Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious 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, say the officials at Baby-Friendly USA. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated, "Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children."
AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Elk Grove Village joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly designated hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 604 of which are located in the U.S.
"Organizations designated Baby-Friendly provide the optimal environment to support breastfeeding, while respecting every woman’s right to make an informed decision about infant feeding for herself and her family," said Linda Hampson, lactation consultant coordinator for the medical center. "We are committed to providing the support, education and resources moms need to successfully initiate breastfeeding, as well as reach their long-term breastfeeding goals."
AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Elk Grove Village joins AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago and AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates on the list of Baby-Friendly hospitals. For the full list, log on to www.babyfriendlyusa.org.
Original source can be found here.
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