The Family Birthplace at Cape Cod Hospital is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly redesignation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States. Cape Cod Hospital is one of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world.
Originally designated in 2022, this redesignation demonstrates that Cape Cod Hospital continues to adhere to the highest standards of care for 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 Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the,precious first days of a newborn’s life.
Baby-Friendly facilities are centers of support in which evidenced-based care is provided, education is free from commercial interest, all infant feeding options are
possible and individual preferences are respected. In cases where mothers have a medical indication or have made an informed decision to use formula, education on the
safe preparation and feeding of formula is provided, and best practices including mother-infant skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in are followed.
This redesignation is particularly noteworthy as Cape Cod Hospital received redesignation without the need for a corrective action plan – a feat achieved by less
than 20% of all designated facilities.
This certification reflects Cape Cod Hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make
the best decision for herself and her family.
“This designation is the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination across our organization, all with a goal of helping families get off to a good start,” said Kerry
Thompson, Nursing Manager, Women’s & Children’s Services. “We are proud to offer an environment that supports infant feeding best practices and are committed to give
moms who choose to breastfeed the best chance for success.”
Learn more about this initiative at www.capecodhealth.org/baby-friendly