Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/823110
What Does It Mean to Be Baby-Friendly? Celebrating its 26th year in 2017, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a program of the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund. Baby-Friendly USA awards Baby-Friendly certification in the United States. To become Baby- Friendly, a hospital must comply with 10 steps to educate new mothers about breastfeeding, help them start and continue the practice, and create an environment in which they're able to bond with their babies. Once the Family Birthing Center at Columbus Regional Healthcare System institutes all of the steps, Baby-Friendly USA will conduct an on-site review. The hospital expects to receive Baby-Friendly certification next year. 7 CRHEALTHCARE.ORG More an a Hpital COLUMBUS REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IS PURSUING A CERTIFICATION THAT WILL VALIDATE WHAT OUR STAFF AND PATIENTS ALREADY KNOW: OUR FAMILY BIRTHING CENTER (FBC) IS A SPECIAL PLACE TO HAVE A BABY. Last summer, we began the process of becoming a Baby-Friendly Hospital, a certification awarded to healthcare facilities around the world that promote safe infant feeding practices, particularly breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides a bevy of benefits, ensuring key nutrients and protective antibodies for babies and lowering risks of Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers for mothers. Ensuring new mothers have the support and guidance they need to breastfeed has long been a priority at CRHS. "All of the nurses in the FBC have had at least 20 hours of breastfeeding education," says Lisa Garrell, RNC, an international board-certified lactation consultant and nurse at the FBC. "After birth, as soon as a baby starts showing feeding cues, we help the mother move the baby toward her breast, show her how to latch the baby, and discuss the signs to look for that indicate when her baby is hungry or satisfied. We provide education throughout the mother's stay so she'll feel confident about breastfeeding at home." FOCUSED ON NEW FAMILIES From pregnancy to labor and delivery to postpartum recovery, the FBC helps mothers and babies start family life off on the right foot through steps that include: • Childbirth education classes • Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby that begins minutes after birth • Rooming-in for mothers and babies • A free monthly breastfeeding support group "New mothers tell me they love the continuity of care we provide," says FBC director Lynda Sanders. "Postpartum patients often receive care from the same providers who attended to them during labor and delivery. That familiarity and personal touch make a big difference." Want to attend one of our childbirth education classes? Call us for more information at 910-642-9331. BEGINNINGS Precious and Peonalized