Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center Selected to Join Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center has been selected to be among one of the first hospitals in the nation to join the EMPower Initiative, a hospital-based quality improvement initiative focusing on maternity care practices and leading hospitals to achieving the Baby Friendly USA© designation.

The Baby Friendly Hospital designation includes removing barriers to breastfeeding. Research shows that breastfeeding is associated with numerous positive health outcomes for both the mother and baby including lower rates of obesity, asthma and diabetes. Only six hospitals in the state currently have the designation.

“We are excited to continue our pursuit of the Baby Friendly Hospital Designation with the support of the EMPower Initiative,” said Sue Lambert, Chief Nursing Officer, Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center. “Not only will mothers receive training and education in our facilities, we will work with community partners to ensure that mothers continue to get the support they need to maintain breastfeeding after leaving the hospital. It’s important to remember that breastfeeding provides a foundation for wellness.”

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EMPower is aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates throughout the United States and promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices toward the ultimate goal of improving the public’s health.

As part of this effort, Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center will receive ongoing support in breastfeeding practices from experienced coaches, as well as training and resource support in lactation education. The effort supports evidence-based practices for prenatal and maternity settings known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, an effort to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that complete the Ten Steps.

###

About Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center

Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (PSMEMC) is a premier medical center on Chicago’s near northwest side and includes the Presence Saint Mary Campus, 2233 W. Division St., and Presence Saint Elizabeth Campus, 1431 N. Claremont Ave. The Presence Saint Mary Campus is certified as a Primary Stroke Center and accredited as a Chest Pain Center. The hospital specializes in behavioral health, cardiac care, digestive diseases, emergency services, neuroscience services, obstetrics and primary care. Visit our website at http://presencehealth.org/stmary-elizabeth.