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Backus Hospital Named ‘Baby-Friendly’ Birthing Center by International Health Group

October 07, 2019

Backus Hospital has been named a Baby-Friendly birthing center by Baby-Friendly USA, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

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

“This is a prestigious award recognizing our birthing center staff’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for breast feeding mothers and their babies and is a testament to our team’s talent, dedication and compassion,” said Hartford HealthCare East Region President Donna Handley.

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 584 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.

Backus joins Hartford HealthCare partners Hartford Hospital , MidState Medical Center, the Hospital of Central Connecticut, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center who also have been designated as Baby Friendly Hospitals.

For more information about the Backus Hospital Birthing Center, click here.