Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital (QNHCH) has received the international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for this certification in the US. QNHCH first received the designation as a Baby-Friendly facility in 2015, and was only the second hospital in the state to receive the special designation.
This designation demonstrates that QNHCH 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 and the United Nations Children’s Fund 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. QNHCH joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our team members throughout the Baby-Friendly process,” said QNHCH President Stephany Vaioleti. “This designation shows our commitment to ensuring that every woman who delivers a baby at our facility is given the resources, information and support needed to help her and her baby get the best, healthiest start in life.”
