Abington Hospital Receives Prestigious Baby-Friendly Designation

Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health has been recognized as a Baby-Friendly hospital by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. This designation recognizes Abington Hospital for the optimal level of care it provides breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in 1991. This initiative is centered around the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding; a plan developed by global experts. Hospitals that provide mothers with the information, skills and confidence they need to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding are recognized as Baby-Friendly. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coordinates World Breastfeeding Week, which is recognized annually August 1 to 7, to protect, promote and support breastfeeding mothers worldwide.
“We are committed to providing new mothers with the information and skills needed to confidently feed their babies,” says Dr. Steven Shapiro, Chair, Department of Pediatrics. “Abington Hospital is so proud to have achieved this designation which reflects the great efforts of our doctors, nurses and staff.”  
In order to be considered for designation, Abington Hospital completed a rigorous on-site survey. The award will be maintained by upholding the practice of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
The BFHI continues to grow with Baby-Friendly hospitals now in all 50 states and 24 percent of births taking place in the more than 500 Baby-Friendly designated facilities. Nearly 5,000 babies are delivered per year at Abington Hospital. The BFHI initiative used in Abington Hospital encourages the use of evidence-based care and has seen tremendous success in helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
https://www.abingtonhealth.org/