Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner and Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus recently received international recognition as Baby-Friendly Designated birth facilities by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. The “Baby-Friendly” designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and family bonding. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer mothers the environment, education and support needed to successfully reach their goals and provide them with the best possible birth experience.
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are only 531 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States, with Ochsner facilities holding six of those spots. Ochsner facilities that hold this designation include:
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team to ensure that mothers and their babies are getting the highest level of care,” stated Joan Rooney, Assistant Vice President of Nursing, Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus.
“Our team embraced the process of becoming a Baby-Friendly hospital,” continued Jennifer Melton, Director of Women’s Services, Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner. “Through extensive training, the staff feel more engaged and empowered to assist new mothers with breastfeeding.”
The Family Birthing Centers at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner and Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus offer families several amenities including free prenatal classes for parents and siblings-to be; comfortable, private rooms; Neonatal Intensive Care Units and lactation consultations.
Ochsner Health offers healthcare services for women in all phases of life. Ochsner features an award-winning team of more than 80 OB/GYNs at 11 locations across Louisiana and in Mississippi. To find a physician or for more information about Ochsner’s women’s health offerings, please visit www.ochsner.org/womens.
To make an appointment at Ochsner Health or these facilities, please visit www.ochsner.org/info. For more information about the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, please visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org.