VDH Awards Hospitals with Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation

May 19, 2016

For More Information Contact:

  • Jarene Fleming, (804) 864-7109

(Richmond, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health is recognizing 13 hospitals from across the state with a Virginia Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation 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 Virginia Maternity Care Quality Improvement Collaborative works with Virginia’s 55 maternity centers on quality improvement in maternity care practices to protect, promote, and support safe and effective infant feeding and care.

I applaud the commitment of these hospitals to adopt evidence-based practices to increase breastfeeding. One of the Virginia Plan for Well-Being’s main focuses is supporting women and their families in breastfeeding for at least six months, and there is no stronger or healthier start to a child’s life than breastfeeding,” said State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP. “Breastfeeding is the normal and optimal feeding method for infants. Breastmilk supports the immune system and protects babies from many health problems, including asthma, childhood obesity and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The work of the Virginia Maternity Care Quality Improvement Collaborative and our community partners will help Virginia become the healthiest state in the nation.

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.”  The policies and practices in birth hospitals are critical to get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Infants who experience skin-to-skin contact immediately post-partum fair better, experience less crying and stress signals, and have earlier breastfeeding initiation due to their ability to smell and feel their mother,” said VDH Director of Prevention and Health Promotion Heather Funkhouser Board. “These facilities are committed to improving the care of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens and we commend their efforts.”

The awards ceremony takes place May 20, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. at the Westin Richmond, 6631 West Broad Street, Richmond, Va. 23230.

To learn more about the program, visit www.VDHLiveWell.com/breastfeeding.

List of 2016 Awardees

5 Star Designation

  1. University of Virginia – Culpeper Hospital
    501 Sunset Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701
  1. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
    1250 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298-5926
  1. University of Virginia Health System
    P.O. Box 801429
    Charlottesville, VA 22908
  1. LewisGale Hospital Montgomery
    3700 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060
  1. Fort Belvoir Community Hospital
    9300 Dewitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
  1. Inova Alexandria Hospital
    4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
  1. Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital
    3300 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503

3 Star Designation

  1. Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital
    5801 Bremo Rd., Richmond, VA 23226
  1. Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center
    8260 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

2 Star Designation

  1. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
    1906 Belleview Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24014

1 Star Designation

  1. CJW Medical Center- Chippenham
    7101 Jahnke Road, Richmond, VA 23225
  1. CJW Medical Center- Johnston Willis
    1401 Johnston Willis Drive, Richmond, VA 23235
  1. Bon Secours Maryview Hospital
    3636 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23707