The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) congratulates Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies at the Arnold Palmer Medical Center for earning the designation of a Baby-Friendly facility. 

“We are delighted to learn Winnie Palmer Hospital has received the Baby-Friendly designation,” said DOH-Orange Health Officer Dr. Kevin Sherin. “This high international achievement helps to advance healthy moms and babies in our community.” 

The designation is from Baby-Friendly USA, which is the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The initiative was launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund to encourage the broad-scale implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

 Benefits of the designation to moms and babies is improved health outcomes. Studies have shown that breastfed babies have far fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), childhood cancers, and diabetes. In addition, mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.

 To earn the highly-regarded designation, Winnie Palmer Hospital demonstrated through a four-phrased process, that included an on-site assessment, their commitment to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding by providing support, education, and resources that encourages moms to be successful in breastfeeding. 

Within the last year, DOH-Orange contributed $20,000 to Arnold Palmer Medical Center to assist them in their journey to achieve the designation.      

Baby-Friendly practices are designed to optimize mother-baby bonding and to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in the first few days of a new baby’s life. 

To learn more about the Baby-Friendly program, visit: https://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/.