For 25 straight years, Rochester General Hospital has met one of the highest standards in maternity and newborn care in the country.
Rochester Regional Health announced that Rochester General Hospital has again earned Baby-Friendly designation, making it one of only eight hospitals nationwide to achieve the recognition for 25 consecutive years. Hospital leaders marked the milestone with a celebration at RGH.
What the designation means
Baby-Friendly status comes after a rigorous review by Baby-Friendly USA.
The designation recognizes hospitals that follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization and UNICEF to support infant feeding, bonding, and family-centered care in the first days of life.
“We are incredibly proud of Rochester General Hospital for achieving 25 consecutive years of Baby-Friendly designation,” said Eileen FitzPatrick, CEO of Baby-Friendly USA. “Sustaining this designation for a quarter century speaks to the deep commitment of the care teams who show up every day for families at one of the most meaningful moments of their lives.”
Care teams recognized
Hospital leaders said the achievement reflects decades of consistent work by physicians, nurses, and staff.
“This recognition belongs to our care teams,” said Dr. Suzanne Mullin, chair of pediatrics at Rochester General Hospital. “Their commitment to best practices in maternal and newborn care has never wavered, and we’re proud of the consistency and passion they bring to this important work.”
Part of a larger track record
The announcement follows recent national recognition for RGH’s maternity services.
U.S. News & World Report recently named Rochester General Hospital one of the nation’s best hospitals for maternity care, further highlighting its role as a leader in maternal and newborn health.
Dr. Elizabeth Bostock, executive medical director of OBGYN at Rochester Regional Health, said the recognition reflects a long-standing mission.
“Rochester General Hospital’s sustained Baby-Friendly status underscores RRH’s long-standing commitment to empowering families with education, resources, and individualized support while respecting every mother’s right to make informed decisions that are best for her and her baby,” Bostock said.
Of the 52 Baby-Friendly hospitals in New York State, all Rochester Regional Health facilities with labor and delivery services have earned the designation.
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