09
February
2017
|
14:28 PM
America/Chicago

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center Receives Baby-Friendly Designation

Birthing Center honored with international award

Baby-Friendly USA announces that OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington has received prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated 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). It encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

“Our responsibility in the medical community is to stay abreast of current evidence based research. The goal is to educate mothers and families with information founded in research,” said Sarah Musselman, RN, IBCLC, OSF St. Joseph Birthing Center. “This allows parents to make the best feeding choice for their family. We support their choices and the Birthing Center team is helping them achieve their personal goals. “

The Baby-Friendly designation is given after the completion of a rigorous on-site survey. There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 408 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. OSF St. Joseph Medical Center is the only Baby-Friendly designated facility in the greater Bloomington-Normal area.

“We believed from the beginning we could make an enormous impact on our community by supporting our most precious members,” said Renell Composto, Manager of Patient Care, OSF St. Joseph Birthing Center. “It took collaboration from hospital birthing center staff, administration, obstetricians, pediatricians, midwifes, anesthesiologists and families to achieve this prestigious designation. We are beyond proud to be part of an elite group of hospitals acknowledged for this accomplishment globally.”

Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

“It supports and validates our mission to provide the “greatest care and love” to our patients. We strive to provide our patients with the safest and highest quality of care. This is another example of our accomplishments,” said Composto.

For more information about the OSF St. Joseph Birthing Center or to schedule a tour, click here, or call (309) 665-4703. Further information about the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative can be found here.