As part of its overall commitment to women’s health and care for expecting mothers, McLeod Regional Medical Center has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly re-designation. This re-designation follows 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 McLeod Regional Medical Center 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.

As a Baby-Friendly hospital, McLeod Regional Medical Center has demonstrated that their policies and practices meet the gold standard for mother/baby care related to breastfeeding. 

This re-designation also indicates that the hospital supports and promotes the importance of mother and infant bonding through skin-to-skin – placing baby on mom’s bare chest soon after delivery – and rooming-in – keeping the baby in the mother’s room during the hospital stay. While these practices promote bonding, skin-to-skin and rooming-in also offer many health benefits to both the mom and her baby.

Achieving Baby-Friendly re-designation illustrates the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient and family-centered care. The mission of Baby-Friendly USA aligns closely with that of McLeod Health in providing quality care that has been proven to reduce risks to the baby and mother.

The dedicated Women’s and Children’s teams at McLeod Regional Medical Center have worked to improve and enhance the care received by mothers who deliver there, and this re-designation demonstrates the hospital’s ongoing dedication to quality and safety. 

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently, there are 566 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The “Baby-Friendly” re-designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

Caption: Staff with the Women’s and Children’s teams at McLeod Regional Medical Center celebrate achieving Baby Friendly re-designation.