SHARE

Sponsored Content

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

Phelps Hospital Joins Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- Today, expecting mothers have more information at their fingertips than ever before. Phelps Memorial Hospital is aiming to cut through the clutter, and provide an environment where parents-to-be can get the answers and information they need.

Phelps Memorial Hospital is working towards being accredited as a Baby Friendly Hospital.

Phelps Memorial Hospital is working towards being accredited as a Baby Friendly Hospital.

Photo Credit: Emma Reisman

An educational movement that has gained attention is the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, an accreditation which Phelps is working towards achieving. BFHI, a World Health Organization and UNICEF program, supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ statement that breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition.

While encouraging breastfeeding and offering support, Phelps’ staff also respect each mother’s choice. "Breastfeeding in and of itself is good thing." say Kara Giustino, Clinical Educator and Yeva Posner, Lactation Coordinator in the Maternal Child Health Unit at Phelps. "However, so is a mother’s right to choose what form of nutrition she wants to give her baby." The BFHI aims to inform mothers about feeding options and then allow them to decide if they wish to breast feed, use formula, or both.

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative also supports the Academy’s endorsement of “rooming in,” which means that babies stay in the hospital room with their mothers, rather than in a nursery. “Rooming in” is recommended because it fosters maternal-infant bonding and helps the baby transition from the womb. It also gives new parents an opportunity to learn how to care for their baby.

"The Baby Friendly program is dedicated to providing expectant mothers with education and current information early in their pregnancy" say Giustino and Posner. "This enables parents to consider the information and make informed choices.

The ultimate goal of Phelps, and every BFHI hospital, is to help parents raise a healthy child.

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE