Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2018

Gold standard of care To learn more about Kootenai’s Baby-Friendly designation, visit KH.org/family-birth-center . Kootenai Health’s Family Birth Center is celebrating its 15 th year as a Baby-Friendly facility. This designation represents the highest standard of care for mothers and babies. Dedication to improving infant health through breastfeeding and other maternal–infant care practices in every department of the hospital helped Kootenai earn this distinction. “This year was a big milestone for us because it involved an intense site visit from the auditors,” said Eileen Bagan, RN, lactation consultant. “While we work with auditors yearly to go over our policies and processes, this year involved several interviews with staff, physicians and patients.” “It is such a great privilege to not only receive the designation, but to work for an organization that supports our program in such a big way,” Eileen said. “Because of our administration’s support early on, we are more advanced in this area than many other facilities, and our patients benefit from that.” The Baby-Friendly designation focuses on three main principles supporting the health and well-being of mothers and their infants: • Breastfeeding is the optimal way for human infants to be nurtured and nourished. Baby-Friendly for 15Years • The first days in the birth facility should be protected as a time of bonding and support. • Every mother should be informed of the benefits of breastfeeding and respected to make her own decision. KH . ORG 9