‘Baby-Friendly’ Quest Good

Medical science has long supported the notion that breast- feeding is the healthiest choice for babies. University Hospital’s new initiative to bolster breast-feeding reinforces that. Education is a central component of the campaign. The hospital is taking the additional step of no longer accepting free infant formula from manufacturers to pass on to newborn babies and their mothers.

Promoting breast-feeding is part of University Hospital’s three- year quest to become a World Health Organization “Baby-Friendly Hospital.” It would be a noteworthy distinction considering only 48 of the 16,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals worldwide are in the United States.

Phasing out formula from a family’s take-home gift bag might seem to be a radical step, but lactation educators fear that women who have formula at their disposal might not attempt to breast-feed their babies. University Hospital wants to give babies the benefit of the natural choice, which includes a stronger immune system, fewer food allergies and a food source that is tailor-made for them.

Breast-feeding is convenient and inexpensive compared to infant formula, which can cost hundreds of dollars a month, depending upon the brand. Women who return to work can pump and freeze breast milk so they can continue to feed their babies breast milk.

Added bonuses of breast-feeding include mother-and-child bonding and, for moms, help with postpartum weight loss.

University Hospital has already made tremendous progress in encouraging mothers to nurse their babies. The hospital reports that nearly 90 percent of women who give birth at University Hospital choose to breast-feed their babies, with 65 percent starting within an hour of giving birth. Some women are unable to breast-feed their babies over the long run, but even a little bit provides benefit, physicians say. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends that babies receive breast milk exclusively for six months for the maximum protective effects.

University Hospital is to be congratulated for its efforts to become a “Baby-Friendly Hospital,” which nicely complements the hospital’s current efforts to give babies the best start in life possible.