WEST POINT, Mississippi – North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that NMMC-West Point is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. 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 International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

“It’s a privilege for our team to be a part of such an exciting time in these families’ lives,” said Barry Keel, NMMC-West Point administrator. “Earning the Baby-Friendly designation reflects our commitment to our youngest patients and their families.”

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities worldwide. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated that “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children.”

“Every mother who delivers a baby here receives the resources, information and support needed to give her baby the healthiest start in life,” said Pamela White, NMMC-West Point chief nursing officer.

NMMC-West Point joins a growing list of more than 600 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States and more than 20,000 maternity facilities in 150 countries. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

Achieving the Baby-Friendly designation has been a journey for the NMMC-West Point team.

"This was a total team effort,” said Marty Dollar, RN, NMMC-West Point Perinatal manager. “Every physician and nurse in our department gave 100% toward earning this designation, and our leaders were so supportive of this project.”

The hard work is already paying dividends.

“More of our mothers are breastfeeding,” Dollar said. “We could not be more excited with the outcome."

NMMC-West Point joins NMMC Women’s Hospital in Tupelo and NMMC Gilmore-Amory in earning the Baby-Friendly designation. All three hospitals offer the finest patient- and family-centered care during pregnancy and childbirth. For more information, visit www.nmhs.net/pregnancy-birth.

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensuring the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.