Joins Select Group of 129 Baby-Friendly Hospitals and Birthing Centers in the United States
Santa Cruz, Calif. — Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (SMSC) has been designated by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. as a “Baby-Friendly” hospital as part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
The BFHI is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding. The BFHI provides direction to hospitals in giving mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so. Scientific studies have shown that breastfed children have fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including reduced risk of SIDS and less childhood cancer and diabetes.
To achieve the Baby-Friendly designation, facilities must register with Baby-Friendly USA, complete the all of the requirements, and ultimately demonstrate during an on-site assessment that they have correctly integrated all of the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” into their practice for healthy newborns. Nurses undergo 18 hours of training and three hours of supervised time with patients, and physicians receive three hours of training.
“We are extremely proud of our Lactation Center and the wonderfully supportive staff there, along with our outstanding obstetricians and pediatricians,” said Ric Nichols, SMSC administrator. “The services they provide are an important part of having a wonderful birthing experience here at SMSC.”
SMSC also recently received high marks in a recent California WIC survey, ranking fifth in the state in exclusive breastfeeding scores. Approximately 98 percent of mothers enter SMSC with the intention to breastfeed, and 93 percent leave exclusively breastfeeding. In comparison, LA County Hospitals’ data shows that close to 90 percent of women enter intending to breastfeed, yet 39 percent leave exclusively breastfeeding. This is an indication of SMSC’s extraordinary lactation practices, training and team approach.
PAMF Santa Cruz and SMSC coordinate to provide an integrated model of health care delivery for Santa Cruz County residents.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation Santa Cruz (PAMF Santa Cruz) provides general health care, family practice, urgent care, primary care and health care specialists. The 30-bed Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (SMSC) is a licensed and Joint Commission accredited acute care hospital providing birthing, medical and surgical services. PAMF Santa Cruz and SMSC coordinate to provide an integrated model of health care delivery for Santa Cruz County residents. Both are affiliates of the Sutter Health family of not-for-profit physician organizations and hospitals that share resources and expertise to advance health care quality.
Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
Media Contact:
Mark Riley
rileym1@pamf.org
831-460-6034
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