Prestigious award recognizes hospitals that undergo a rigorous designation process, committed to providing optimal infant feeding care to all patients
Press release
BATAVIA, NY, Nov. 18, 2024- United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) is proud to announce that it has once again achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA. UMMC received its first designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital in 2019. This re-designation period will run until 2030. This designation demonstrates that UMMC adheres to the highest standards of care to help mothers and their babies get off to a healthy start by having skin-to-skin care right after birth, “rooming in” or allowing healthy babies to stay in the room with their mothers during their hospital stay, and breastfeeding when babies are ready.
These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the first days of a newborn’s life.
The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world as one of the best ways to boost infants’ immune systems, lower the risk of infections, and promote cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery and builds a nurturing bond with their child.
“The hospital experience strongly influences a mother’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” said Shawna Radder, RN, IBCLC. “We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation to ensure that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are fully supported.”
UMMC joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 560 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.
UMMC is committed to helping new families even after they leave the hospital with Infant Feeding Classes, Breastfeeding and Beyond Baby Café, Lactation Education After Discharge (LEAD) Program and even a Breast/Chest Feeding Support Line at (585) 344-8104.
“United Memorial Medical Center aims to support, educate, and empower every family with the tools they need to make informed decisions. This commitment is part of our broader mission to provide exceptional care that fosters healthy families and supports long-term health outcomes,” said Tara Gellasch, UMMC Chief Medical Officer and OBGYN.