Merit Health Woman’s Hospital Receives Prestigious International Award

Albany, NY - Baby-Friendly USA, announces that Merit Health Woman’s Hospital has received prestigious international recognition as a Designated as a Baby-Friendly birth facility.

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 an optimal 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.

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 539 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The “Baby-Friendly” re-designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

Further information about the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative may be obtained by contacting

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc,
125 Wolf Road, Suite 402
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: (518) 621-7982
Fax: 518-621-7983

or Email info@babyfriendlyusa.org. Web: www.babyfriendlyusa.org.

Press Contact: Charmaine Tompkins (518) 621-7982

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