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THE DAYS AND weeks following birth are critical for moms and babies. To enhance this period, both Northwestern Medicine Hospitals—Kishwaukee and Valley West— pursued Baby-Friendly designation from Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. and received recognition as a Baby-Friendly designated facility. To earn the designation, hospitals must follow "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" practices outlined by the program. These steps are designed to encourage breastfeeding by providing supportive resources, including education for new parents and proper training for hospital staff. "The doctors and nurses are there to set you up for success," says Katie Davis (pictured above), who delivered three of her four babies at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. "They put your baby on your chest right after birth, dim the lights, and let you bond as you nurse. The experience isamazing." A PRECIOUS PRACTICE Babies who are breastfed may experience a number of health benefits, including fewer colds and decreased likelihood of developing childhood obesity, cancer, or diabetes. Moms who breastfeed may have a lower risk of developing anemia, breast and ovarian cancers, and osteoporosis. They may also recover more quickly after childbirth. Moms also report developing a special sense of emotional and physical bonding with their newborns through breastfeeding. SUPPORT AT EVERY STEP After delivery, families are not alone as they navigate the experience of a new baby. "The Breastfeeding Center at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital and the corresponding Facebook group were awesome support systems that helped me immensely in my journey to breastfeed," says Lacey Lantz (pictured above), who delivered her three daughters at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. "Those women lifted me up even when I was experiencing self- doubt. I am a better mother because of my experience with those communities." Visit kishmaternitysuites.org to learn more about having a baby at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital or Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital. MOTHER-BABY BONDING AND BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT ARE AT THE HEART OF NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE KISHWAUKEE AND VALLEY WEST HOSPITALS' BABY-FRIENDLY DESIGNATION. KISHPROGRAMS.ORG Turn to the calendar section for a complete list of Childbirth and Infant classes. YOUR HOME BA BY-FR IEN DLY FOR Cre Cre 2 CANCER CENTER OUR MISSION Our Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth System Foundation, part of Northwestern Medicine, at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org. We are an organization of caregivers who aspire to consistently provide high quality care, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction. We seek to improve the health of the communities we serve by delivering a broad range of services with sensitivity to the individual needs of our patients and their families. We are bonded in an essential academic and service relationship with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The quality of our services is enhanced through their integration with education and research in an environment that encourages excellence of practice, critical inquiry and learning. WELLNESS CLASSES & PROGRAMS