Presbyterian Hospital was selected as one of just 90 hospitals nationwide to participate in a 22-month long initiative to improve the health of moms and babies. Called “Best Fed Beginnings,” this initiative aims to help hospitals improve maternal care by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, leading to many healthy benefits for both mom and baby. Led by the National Initiative for Children’s Quality Healthcare (NICHQ) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this initiative is designed to help the selected hospitals achieve the Baby Friendly Hospital designation as classified by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
“We’re honored to be selected as one of the hospitals to participate in this initiative,” said Pat Campbell, vice president for women’s and children’s services for Presbyterian Healthcare. “Our ultimate goal is always to help moms and babies stay at their healthiest, and Best Fed Beginnings will certainly help us do that.”
In addition to attachment and bonding, breastfeeding has many benefits for both mom and baby. For infants, breastfeeding decreases the risk of infections, supports neurological development and reduces the risk of obesity in childhood. For mothers, benefits include a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
The Nursing Mother’s Place is Presbyterian’s comprehensive lactation center, with locations in Charlotte, Huntersville and Matthews. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant, call 704-384-7515 or visit www.presbyterian.org/nursingmothersplace.
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