Valley View Receives Prestigious Baby-Friendly Designation

Valley View has once again earned the internationally recognized Baby-Friendly designation, reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their newborns. Valley View has held this designation since 2016.

This recognition is achieved through a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States. Standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support during a newborn’s first days of life.

Breastfeeding offers well-established health benefits for both infants and their mothers. The Baby-Friendly designation reflects Valley View’s commitment to providing education, resources and individualized care to help families make informed feeding decisions and achieve their personal goals.

“Maintaining Baby-Friendly designation for nearly a decade reflects the tireless dedication of our Family Birthplace team and Valley View’s commitment to supporting families at the beginning of the parenting journey,” said Ellen H. Brooks, MD, FAAP, medical director of pediatrics at Valley View. “We are proud to continue providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps mothers and their babies get the healthiest possible start.”

Valley View is part of a global network of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers that meet these rigorous standards. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

Valley View’s Family Birthplace delivers comprehensive maternity care, including childbirth education, lactation support, postpartum care and resources designed to support families before, during and after childbirth.

Expecting parents can learn more about Valley View’s Family Birthplace services at vvh.org/family-birthplace.

About Baby-Friendly USA

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the U.S. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.