News

July 25, 2019

Good Samaritan Medical Center Maternity Program Receives Prestigious Baby-Friendly Award

Good Samaritan Medical Center has received prestigious international recognition as a Re-Designated Baby-Friendly birth facility.

Pictured above L/R: Mary Fuhro, Chief Nursing Officer; Janet Bigelow, Patient Care Director Maternal Child Health; Sandy Gill, RN, IBCLC; Marisela Marrero, President

This award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

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.

“We are proud to achieve a re-designation as a Baby-Friendly birth facility.  This designation is a tribute to the entire Good Samaritan Medical Center maternity team - and all they do to support every new mom and infant.

The physicians, nurses, and staff provide exceptional, personalized care and education that helps new moms bond with their infants and achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Creating an environment that fosters best practices and embraces the wishes of each patient, ensures the healthiest start for new families,” said Marisela Marrero, MD, President, Good Samaritan Medical Center.

There are 575 Baby-Friendly hospitals in the United States and there are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals worldwide. 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 visiting babyfriendlyusa.org.