Montefiore Jack D. Weiler Hospital - Einstein Campus and Montefiore Hospital - Wakefield Campus have achieved recognition as Baby-Friendly designated birth facilities from Baby-Friendly USA - a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). With both Weiler and Wakefield simultaneously achieving the recognition, Montefiore is the first health system in New York City to achieve the designation.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative launched in 1991 to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The Baby-Friendly designation is granted after a rigorous on-site survey is completed and hospitals have demonstrated adherence to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which include having breastfeeding policies in writing, consistently training staff on policy implementation and informing all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.

“I am extremely proud and thankful to the extensive team of providers and staff who work tirelessly to support expectant and new moms and promote well-woman and baby health,” said Deborah Campbell, M.D., FAAP, chief, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore. “Achieving this important recognition is testament to the time and resources Montefiore dedicates to educating and encouraging new moms to breastfeed.”

Breastfeeding is a scientifically proven way to nourish a newborn while lowering risks for certain diseases and improving health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Providers at Weiler and Wakefield, where a total 6,200 babies are delivered each year, offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

For more information about Montefiore’s efforts to support breastfeeding moms, visit the health library on our website.