NORWOOD, MA – Baby-Friendly USA, has announced that Norwood Hospital received its prestigious international recognition as a Designated Baby-Friendly birth facility. Based on the External Review board, it has been determined that Norwood Hospital implemented all of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and has met the requirement of purchasing breast milk substitutes.

“I am extremely proud of our Small Miracles Maternity Unit for ensuring a high quality of mother/baby care in this critical area and for completing the rigorous inspection process and on-site survey,” said Salvatore Perla, DrPH, president of Norwood Hospital. “Attaining the Baby-Friendly standards allows Norwood Hospital to rank amongst the best.”

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently, there are 566 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The “Baby-Friendly” re-designation is given after a thorough on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

“The challenging process of preparing for this designation has greatly improved the already excellent care we provide to all of our new mothers and babies no matter how they choose to feed their baby,” said Jessica Buinicki MSN, RN, director of Maternity Services. “Receiving this prestigious designation represents our commitment to best practices in maternity care and is a huge differentiator among hospitals working to obtain this status and award.”

About Baby-Friendly USA
​​​​​​​Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently, there are 566 active designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States.

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