The following is a release from EvergreenHealth:

Representatives from EvergreenHealth accepted the Breastfeeding Friendly Hospitals Gold Standard Award from the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) in an event hosted last week at the State Capitol.

Breastfeeding Friendly Hospitals, a partnership between WSHA and the DOH, is a new state program recognizing hospitals that have taken steps to support breastfeeding.  The voluntary recognition program acknowledges Washington hospitals that have taken measures to educate and support mothers in breastfeeding their babies from birth through six to nine months.

“We applaud the state of Washington for making breastfeeding a priority, promoting the health of its youngest residents,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “This award is an extension of EvergreenHealth’s long-standing tradition of excellence in labor and delivery, in which we recognize the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, as well as the important role we play in helping families evaluate their choices.”  As the first hospital in the U.S. to earn designation as a Baby Friendly Hospital from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, EvergreenHealth’s efforts have also earned the hospital recognition as a Care Award facility from the International Lactation Consultant Association.

Supporting breastfeeding for the health of mom and baby

Breastfeeding is a key element in Governor Jay Inslee’s Healthiest Next Generation initiative to make the next generation of Washington children the healthiest ever. Studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis, asthma, eczema, and respiratory and ear infections. Other research suggests that adults who were breastfed as babies may be less likely to develop risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure. Nursing mothers also benefit through decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and post-partum depression.

“Our maternity nurses and board-certified lactation consultants are passionate about supporting new moms with breastfeeding and partnering with our families to provide the personal care, education and resources they need to raise healthy, thriving children,” said EvergreenHealth Chief Nursing Officer Nancee Hofmeister, MSN, RN, NE-BC. “At EvergreenHealth, every mother receives a tailored care plan from our lactation consultants during her stay and all are seen within a week after delivery to check in on their breastfeeding. This is in addition to an extensive catalog of ongoing specialty classes to prepare parents for breastfeeding challenges and the parenting journey.”

Scott Bond, Director of WSHA and John Wiseman, Secretary of the DOH presented the award to Hofmeister and her EvergreenHealth colleagues Trish Anderson, RN, director of women’s and children’s programs, and Jeanne Tate, RN, charge nurse of the Breastfeeding Center. Other Gold recipients include Jefferson Healthcare (Port Townsend), Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center (Vancouver), Three Rivers Hospital (Brewster) and the University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle).

EvergreenHealth breastfeeding resources

Specialists in the Breastfeeding Center at EvergreenHealth offer mothers support with feeding soon after birth, during their hospital stay and after they return home. Board certified lactation consultants are available to recommend individualized breastfeeding solutions and work to address any questions or concerns once a mother returns home through telephone and in-person consultations. In addition, EvergreenHealth is proud to provide:

• Consultations in the Postpartum Care Center to evaluate the health of mom and baby after delivery. This often includes addressing any breastfeeding issues the mom is experiencing.
• Safe, pasteurized breast milk donation for mothers not producing enough milk, and a convenient milk drop for mothers who wish to donate breast milk.
• An on-site Baby & Family Boutique with an array of high-quality breastfeeding products and experts to guide moms in selecting breast pumps, nursing bras and other accessories best suited to their needs.
• Frequently held Mother Baby classes, free weekly drop-in breastfeeding support groups and a Parent-Baby Group to help new families launch to the best start possible.

Expecting and new parents can get more information about breastfeeding resources at EvergreenHealth by:

• Viewing a complete list of EvergreenHealth childbirth education classes at www.evergreenhealth.com/childbirth-classes.
• Signing up for EvergreenHealth’s weekly pregnancy newsletter sharing tips, resources and advice for pregnancy and beyond at www.evergreenhealth.com/maternity-newsletter.
• Calling the Postpartum Care Center at 425-899-3602 or the Breastfeeding Center at 425-899-3494 to make an appointment or speak to a lactation specialist.