PVHMC Receives Prestigious Baby-Friendly Re-Designation

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly 5-year designation, for the third time, after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that PVHMC is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These 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 in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated that “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children.”

From conversations prior to birth, to 24/7 access to a team of certified lactation consultants, to supporting mothers with education and empowerment, the tenets of Baby-Friendly designation are integrated at every touchpoint with maternity patients at PVHMC.

“Our Baby-Friendly redesignation is the culmination of a longstanding commitment across our organization to help families get off to a good start” said Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO at PVHMC. “We are proud to offer an environment that supports best practices shown to increase breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and are dedicated to giving mothers who choose to breastfeed the best chance for success.”

PVHMC joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 530 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

Learn more about maternity care at PVHMC here.