January 28, 2016, Morristown And Summit, NJ – Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center today announced each facility has earned the prestigious international designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital by Baby-Friendly USA. The Deskovick Maternity Center at Morristown Medical Center and the Frank and Mimi Walsh Maternity Center at Overlook Medical Center join only 314 other active Baby-Friendly hospitals in the nation, and four other Baby-Friendly hospitals in the state. The designation demonstrates each hospital’s commitment to implementing successful breastfeeding practices, and ongoing support for mothers and families.
“This elite designation reflects years of commitment by each hospital to developing and applying new policies and procedures that encourage breastfeeding for newborns, when appropriate, and promoting ongoing education and training for mothers to continue it,” said Fran Drigun, director, pediatric and women’s service lines, Atlantic Health System. “We applaud the efforts of the teams at Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center in achieving this honor, and look forward to implementing this across all Atlantic Health System campuses.”
Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding—which includes measures for the hospital to have a written breastfeeding policy to help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and to practice rooming-in, which encourages mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day—this prestigious international designation is attained after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The designation lasts for five years, and both hospitals will maintain their award by reporting breastfeeding statistics annually and continuing to practice the ‘Ten Steps.’
“‘Baby-Friendly’ designation improves the quality of care provided, decreases morbidity and mortality, and improves customer satisfaction, making it a worthwhile investment,” said Trish MacEnroe, executive director of Baby-Friendly USA.
The implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is predicated on the fact that human milk fed through the mother’s own breast is the most natural way for human infants to be nourished, according to BFHI. Scientific evidence points to lower risks for certain diseases and improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies who breastfeed.
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund that recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide.
About Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program that was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991 to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding. It recognizes and awards birthing facilities who successfully implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. The BFHI assists hospitals in giving all mothers the information, confidence, and skills necessary to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or feeding formula safely, and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so.
About Morristown Medical Center
Morristown Medical Center, located in Morristown, NJ, is a nationally-ranked regional medical center and a recognized leader in cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics and nursing. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top hospital nationwide for cardiology and heart surgery, geriatrics, orthopedics and pulmonology. Morristown Medical Center also ranked as a “Best Regional Hospital” for neurology and neurosurgery, as well as gastroenterology & GI Surgery, gynecology, nephrology and urology. Morristown Medical Center’s Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute performs more cardiac surgeries than any other hospital in New Jersey, placing its cardiac program in the top two percent in the country. The Atlantic Orthopedic Institute at Morristown Medical Center does the highest volume of joint and spine surgeries in New Jersey. In 2014, the hospital was re-designated a Magnet Hospital for Excellence in Nursing Service, the highest level of recognition by American Nurses Credentialing Center for facilities that provide acute care services, a distinction awarded to less than five percent of U.S. hospitals. Morristown Medical Center is certified as a Level I Regional Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, and designated a Level II Trauma Center by the state of New Jersey. Morristown Medical Center is part of Atlantic Health System, one of the largest non-profit health care systems in New Jersey.
About Overlook Medical Center
Overlook Medical Center, based in Summit, NJ, is a recognized leader in neuroscience care and home to some of New Jersey’s top doctors, most compassionate care and most advanced technology and treatments. Atlantic Neuroscience Institute is the region’s leader in neuroscience care, offering a broad range of advanced neurological, neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic services. Overlook Medical Center is home to the Brain Tumor Center of New Jersey and the largest and most experienced CyberKnife program in New Jersey. Overlook is certified as a Level IV Epilepsy Center and one of 10 sites in the United States to be designated a Tourette Syndrome Association Centers of Excellence. Overlook Medical Center is the only hospital in New Jersey recognized as one of “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care™ and Critical Care™” in 2016 and New Jersey’s only recipient to receive Healthgrades’ Distinguished Hospital Excellence Award and Stroke Care Excellence Award. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Overlook Medical Center among the best hospitals in central New Jersey and as a “Best Regional Hospital” for neurology & neurosurgery. Accredited for behavioral health care by The Joint Commission, Overlook Medical Center is also advanced certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. The hospital is also Joint Commission-certified in spine surgery, wound care, and primary care medical home (PCMH) for patient-centered, comprehensive and coordinated care. Overlook Medical Center is nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons-Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Overlook Medical Center is part of Atlantic Health System, one of the largest non-profit health care systems in New Jersey.