Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center Receives Redesignation Of The Gift For Exceptional Maternity Services

MONROE, La. - The Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center was redesignated with the Gift by the Louisiana Department of Health. The Gift is an evidence-based program for Louisiana birthing facilities designed to increase breastfeeding rates and hospital success by improving the quality of their maternity services and enhancing patient-centered care.

The Gift is awarded to facilities that meet rigorous criteria and complete an application process.

The Gift designations are based on the implementation of services including:

• Education for pregnant mothers on the benefits and management of breastfeeding
• Help for mothers to breastfeed within one hour of birth
• Show mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation even if separated from their infants
• Give infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated
• Allow mothers and infants to remain together in the room 24 hours a day
• Encourage breastfeeding on-demand and teach mothers cue-based feeding regardless of feeding method
• Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
• Foster the participation in breastfeeding support groups and provide information to mothers upon discharge from the hospital

The Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center has an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on staff to help new mothers learn about breastfeeding and how to begin and maintain breastfeeding.

“The Gift designation is meaningful because it recognizes the exceptional care that goes beyond labor and delivery and sets the foundation for a strong and healthy newborn through breastfeeding education. New mothers receive expert care for themselves and their infants and leave the hospital equipped with knowledge on how to care for their child once discharged,” stated Dian Terry, Director of Women’s and Children’s Inpatient Departments, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center.

To learn more about Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center, visit ochsnerlsuhs.org.