Cape Canaveral Hospital renewed as Baby-Friendly hospital

Cape Canaveral Hospital has received a renewal of its Baby-Friendly designation, presented by Baby-Friendly USA. The renewed designation is for a five-year period. Cape Canaveral Hospital was first designated as Baby-Friendly in 2002.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program that encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breast feeding. A decreased risk of diarrhea, respiratory and ear infections, and allergic skin disorders are among the many benefits of breastfeeding to infants.

"To qualify for the Baby-Friendly designation, our hospital must show how we promote and support breastfeeding through the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment on a daily basis to make this a better place for mothers and babies," said Tracy Lott, Director of Women and Children Services.

These steps include such efforts as:

• Having a written breastfeeding policy that is communicated to all staff.
• Informing pregnant mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. 
• Helping mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
• Offering “rooming in” - allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
• Encouraging unrestricted breastfeeding.