Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body and national authority for the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, has re-designated Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi as a “Baby-Friendly hospital.”

This designation “demonstrates Baptist North Mississippi is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.”

“Baptist North Mississippi is proud to serve as a Baby-Friendly Hospital,” said Brian Welton, CEO and administrator of Baptist North Mississippi. “We are committed to providing the support, education and resources moms need to successfully initiate breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding when they leave our care.”

Baptist North Mississippi received its initial Baby-Friendly designation in 2018. Redesignation is a two-year process and is ultimately conferred through an onsite assessment. Redesignation “classes” are defined by the year the designation expires.

“The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund for optimal infant feeding support in the first days of a newborn’s life. It serves as standards for initial designation.

Baptist North Mississippi is among more than 20,000 baby-friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, with 500 located 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.”

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the U.S.

Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.