Rochester, NY – Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is proud to announce that Rochester General Hospital (RGH) has been designated Baby-Friendly for the 25th consecutive year, making it one of only eight hospitals in the United States to reach this milestone and marking a quarter century of excellence in maternity and newborn care. A ceremony was held at RGH to celebrate the honor.
The internationally recognized Baby-Friendly designation is awarded following a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA. The designation signifies adherence to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are grounded in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to support optimal infant feeding and bonding during the critical first days of life.
“We are incredibly proud of Rochester General Hospital for achieving 25 consecutive years of Baby-Friendly designation,” said Eileen FitzPatrick, CEO of Baby-Friendly USA. “Sustaining this designation for a quarter century speaks to the deep commitment of the care teams who show up every day for families at one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Rochester General Hospital’s dedication to breastfeeding support, early bonding, and family-centered care has made a lasting impact on generations of parents and babies, and we are honored to recognize this extraordinary achievement.”
“This recognition belongs to our care teams,” said Dr. Suzanne Mullin, Chair of Pediatrics at Rochester General Hospital. “Their commitment to best practices in maternal and newborn care has never wavered, and we’re proud of the consistency and passion they bring to this important work.”
The accomplishment comes on the heels of Rochester General Hospital being named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals for maternity care, reinforcing its leadership in maternal and newborn health. RGH joins a global network of Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers dedicated to creating an environment where families are supported, informed, and given the best possible start from the very beginning.
“Rochester General Hospital’s sustained Baby-Friendly status underscores RRH’s long-standing commitment to empowering families with education, resources, and individualized support while respecting every mother’s right to make informed decisions that are best for her and her baby,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bostock, Executive Medical Director of OBGYN at RRH.
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About Rochester Regional Health
Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the Rochester region's second-largest employer.