FORT SMITH, Ark. – Baptist Health-Fort Smith recently received the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.
The honor demonstrates that Baptist Health-Fort Smith is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. “This achievement is the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination of our staff and physicians, all with a goal of helping families get off to a good start,” said Jeff Carrier, president of Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Van Buren. “We are proud to offer an environment that supports best practices and are committed to giving moms who choose to breastfeed the best chance for success.”
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.
There are more than 500 Baby-Friendly facilities in the U.S. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.
In addition to providing breastfeeding and education support after delivery, Baptist Health-Fort Smith offers lactation classes for expectant mothers in the River Valley community, as well as outpatient lactation counseling and an Expressly for You-Fort Smith lactation boutique at Baptist Health Medical Plaza on Dodson Avenue. To learn more about how Baptist Health-Fort Smith can support you on your breastfeeding journey, call (479) 441-5694.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.
About Baby-Friendly USA
As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 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 US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.