Bridgeport, WV – WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC) is proud to announce
that it has once again 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 UHC 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 Children's Fund
(UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.
The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized
by health authorities throughout the world. 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.”
UHC joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers
throughout the world, 554 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an
environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make
the best decision for herself and her family.
“UHC has long been a recognized leader in the care of women and newborns,” said
David F. Hess, MD, president and CEO. “This designation is a tribute to our
commitment to ensuring that every woman who delivers a baby at our facility is given
the resources, information, and support needed to help her and her baby get the best,
healthiest start in life.”