BREAKING NEWS: BreastfeedLA is pleased to announce that the San Gabriel
Valley Medical Center received redesignation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital
by Baby-Friendly USA! In order to achieve Baby-Friendly redesignation,
the hospital demonstrated the highest standards of care for breastfeeding
mothers and their babies and optimal infant feeding support.
The WHO and UNICEF administer the BFHI program internationally and work
with the national authority in each country which confers the Baby-Friendly®
designation in their nation. Currently, more than 500 hospitals/birthing
centers are designated as Baby-Friendly in the United States
A maternity care facility can be designated as Baby-Friendly when they
meet the requirements created by the World Health Organization and adhere
to the 10 Steps of Successful Breastfeeding including helping all mothers
initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, showing mothers how to
breastfeed and maintain lactation even if they should be separated from
their infants, giving newborn infants only breast milk unless medically
indicated, practicing rooming-in by allowing mothers and infants to remain
together 24 hours a day, and encouraging unrestricted breastfeeding on
cue. Studies continue to demonstrate that there are many benefits to breastfeeding
that extend beyond the initial first days of life.
"I am extremely proud of AHMC Healthcare and the SGVMC leadership,
perinatal nursing team, physicians and ancillary departments whose commitment
shown through by providing an environment, culture and teamwork that supports
breastfeeding education and resources moms need to successfully initiate
breastfeeding and continue after discharge. It truly took a village with
partner support from BreastfeedLA and WIC!" said Carmen Rezak, former
BreastfeedLA Board President and current Corporate Maternal-Child Health
Quality Coordinator for AHMC Healthcare, Inc.
The
Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), launched in 1991, is an effort by UNICEF and the World Health Organization
to ensure that all maternity care facilities, whether free standing or
in a hospital, become centers of breastfeeding support. Since the program
started, over 20,000 facilities worldwide in 150 countries have received
the Baby-Friendly designation.
First 5 LA, a child advocacy and grant-making agency, committed $10.5 million
to fund up to 19 hospitals in L.A. County to become Baby-Friendly, including
the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. First 5 LA funds support the training
of nurses and physicians on lactation education and the 10 Steps To Successful
Breastfeeding.
Congratulations to the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center for continuing
to show its unwavering support for families!