WBIW.com News - local

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

IU Health Bloomington Hospital Re-Designated 'Baby Friendly'

Last updated on Friday, June 9, 2017

(BLOOMINGTON - Baby-Friendly USA, announces that IU Health Bloomington Hospital has received prestigious international recognition and has been re-designated as a “Baby-Friendly” birth facility.

What Does This Mean?

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative ("BFHI"), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer anoptimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

"I am so happy to share this notification. The Women and Children's Services staff, physicians, nurse practitioners, outpatient Obstetric and pediatric offices, and our WIC partners work daily to support moms and babies.  In addition, the entire IU Health Bloomington community has been incredibly supportive of this endeavor. This award is for every one of them," says Julie Kathman, Director of Women's and Children's Services at the Bloomington Hospital.  

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 438 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The "Baby-Friendly" re-designation is given after a rigorous survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page