After five years of commitment, training and implementation, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital has been officially designated a “Baby Friendly” hospital by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that meet the standards for care and support of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. MDMH is one of only six hospitals in the state to receive such a designation.
Last Thursday, hospital staff and patients gathered for a celebration of the award and Director of Nursing Kathy Padilla singled out Obstetrics Department Head Nurse Heidi Etter for special recognition.
“We have a family-like environment here. It is very family centered, and we love taking care of our patients,” said. Etter.
Dr. James Zubernis said that being “baby friendly” was a significant thing.
“It’s not just a slogan,” said Zubernis, “tt’s a significant, organized effort to encourage breastfeeding and maintain breastfeeding.” He said the majority of the hospital’s patients breastfeed.
“Our efforts are rewarded with success,” he said.
Dr. Mary Camden said, “We all know breast milk is the best thing we can give to babies after they are born. Our nurses do a great job. Many are certified in lactation, and they pour out their hearts to these patients to help them be as successful as they can.” She said this skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother was very important.
“As long as mom is able, the babies go right to skin-to-skin with mom while we’re still finishing up our c-section, which is a big deal for them,” said Camden. “I have to commend our anesthesia department because they got somewhat invaded because now there’s a baby and another nurse in there. They have been wholeheartedly with us.”
Dr. April Weinberger echoed those remarks. Weinberger gave birth to two of her own children at the hospital and was able to witness for herself the improvements in the hospital’s service.
“I got to see the transformation to Baby-Friendly,” said Dr. Weinberger. “It was a big difference. There was a lot more early bonding that we got to do which was very special. This is an important thing for families.”
Dr. Camden said the nurses are available for patients needing support beyond the usual office hours and support doesn’t stop when they leave the hospital.
“Not every hospital does that,” she said.
Etter emphasized that it was a team effort. “We couldn’t do it on our own. It’s a team,” she said.
Cara Bushmaker expressed deep appreciation for the baby friendly care that she and her baby, Isla, received when the tiny baby, weighing only five pounds 12 ounces, was born last August. Bushmaker said that she spent four days and three nights in the hospital and got a chance to know everyone. She said the support shown by the hospital staff before, during and after her daughter’s birth was “absolutely incredible.”