UPMC Harrisburg Redesignated as Baby-Friendly Hospital

October 24, 2024

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC Harrisburg has been redesignated as a Baby-Friendly Hospital, a prestigious recognition awarded by Baby-Friendly USA. UPMC Harrisburg has successfully met the rigorous criteria required for this designation, reaffirming its dedication to supporting breastfeeding and improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The Baby-Friendly designation is conferred for a 5-year period. The recognition was first awarded to UPMC Harrisburg in 2014.

“The health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and their babies are well-documented and acknowledged by health authorities globally,” said Amber LeCadre, maternity project coordinator, UPMC Magee-Womens Harrisburg. “Our team is committed to empowering mothers by providing comprehensive support and education, equipping them with the resources and confidence they need to make informed decisions about infant feeding.”

The Baby-Friendly designation involves implementing the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” model, which includes practices such as immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, rooming-in and providing breastfeeding education and support. Research has shown that hospitals following these steps significantly increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

“Receiving this redesignation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire maternity care team,” said Elizabeth Ritter, president, UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic and UPMC West Shore and interim president of UPMC Carlisle. “We are committed to offering the highest quality care and support to our community, and this recognition highlights our ongoing efforts to promote and support breastfeeding.”

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global program launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding.

Some of the benefits of breastfeeding for babies include:

• A 50 percent reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Antibodies in breast milk help protect babies from illness
• Lower risk of asthma and allergies
• Reduced likelihood of being overweight or obese
• Higher IQs in children fed human milk

Maternal benefits of breastfeeding include:

• Reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer
• Faster return to pre-pregnancy weight
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis
• Lower lifetime risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes
• Enhanced bonding with the baby
• Financial savings of $1,000 or more compared to formula feeding

UPMC Harrisburg joins other UPMC facilities, including UPMC Lititz and UPMC Williamsport, in achieving Baby-Friendly status. This collective effort underscores UPMC’s commitment to excellence in maternal and infant care across the region.

For more information about UPMC Harrisburg’s maternity services and breastfeeding support, visit UPMC.com/CentralPaWomen.