Published on August 21, 2023

UNC HEALTH WAYNE RECIEVES THE NORTH CAROLINA MATERNITY CENTER BREASTFEEDING-FRIENDLY DESIGNATION FROM NC DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH. 

UNC Health Wayne is proud to announce that it has received the North Carolina Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation from the North Carolina Division of Public Health. Additionally, this recognition has designated UNC Health Wayne with 3 stars for their efforts in implementing policies and practices that support a breastfeeding-friendly environment for patients. The designation is based on the World Health Organization’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. These steps support initiation, exclusivity and continuation of breastfeeding. 

  

The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are: 

  1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. 

  1. Train all health care staff in the skills necessary to implement this policy. 

  1. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding. 

  1. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth. 

  1. Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants. 

  1. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated. 

  1. Practice rooming in-allow mothers and infants to remain together-24 hours a day. 

  1. Encourage breastfeeding on demand. 

  1. Give no artificial teats (also called bottle nipples) or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants. 

  1. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic. 

  

Participating facilities in North Carolina earn a star for every two steps implemented from the Ten Steps. The North Carolina Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation is valid for a period of three years. Facilities that implement additional steps may re-apply for a higher star level at any time. This initiative promotes a continuum of quality improvement and is endorsed by the North Carolina Hospital Association and the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force. 

"Receiving the North Carolina Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation with 3 stars reflects our team's dedication to excellence” says Jessie Tucker, President and CEO of UNC Health Wayne.” We are immensely proud to provide not only exceptional medical care but also an environment that facilitates the bond between mother and baby through the promotion of breastfeeding.” 

The 3-star designation demonstrates our dedication to implementing evidence-based policies and practices that promote breastfeeding” says Heidi Malez, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.  We understand that breastfeeding is a crucial part of early childhood development, and we are proud to support families throughout this important phase."   

In January 2011, US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin released The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, which included the Health Care Action Step to “ensure that maternity care practices throughout the United States are fully supportive of breastfeeding.” UNC Health Wayne is committed to improving the care of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. We are proud to join the Division of Public Health in its efforts to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in North Carolina. 

 

For more information, please contact Kimberly Fazio at 919-587-4792 or Kimberly.fazio@unchealth.unc.edu.

Media Contact

For media inquiries and to arrange interviews, please contact:

Kimberly Fazio
Director, Marketing and Communications
919-587-4792
Kimberly.fazio@unchealth.unc.edu