Breast milk is best for babies—and Flushing and Jamaica Hospitals are not afraid to say it, or show it.
As part of New York City’s “Latch on NYC” program, a new initiative to support mothers who breastfeed their infants, Flushing and Jamaica Hospitals have made a verbal and written commitment to NYC Health Commissioner Thomas Farley to participate in the program.
By joining the initiative, Flushing and Jamaica Hospitals will no longer distribute formula, literature on formula, or other products that promote formula to new mothers—unless it is medically required or at a mother’s request.
“Latch on NYC” is a wonderful initiative,” explained Maria Smilios., Assistant Director of Nursing-Maternal Child Services at Flushing Hospital. “Our hospital has always encouraged new mothers to breastfeed, however, we, like many other local hospitals, would provide our new mothers with go-home bags that included formula. It sent mixed messages.”
She added: “Now, we can educate mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and feel confident that they have the information they need to make an informed decision about their infant’s dietary needs.”
New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley officially launched “Latch on NYC” on May 9 at Harlem Hospital, where Smilios and Josie Kirton, Clinical Nurse Manager for Jamaica Hospital’s Mother/Baby Unit were in attendance. In addition to 23 hospitals committing to the initiative, a subway and hospital poster campaign is slated to start this month.
Flushing Hospital, in particular, and its participation in “Latch on NY” is one of several efforts the hospital has recently taken to encourage mothers to breastfeed. Earlier this year, the facility received a Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant for its commitment to support breastfeeding and help reduce childhood obesity. The grant allowed staff members to become certified lactation consultants. Three employees are actually Internationally Boarded Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), an even more prestigious certification that the standard Certified Lactation Consultant certification. The hospital has also applied to become a “Baby Friendly” hospital, a global initiative that promotes, protects, and supports breastfeeding through ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Also, the hospital boasts an active breastfeeding support group.
Jamaica Hospital, as well, boasts certified lactation consultants, a breastfeeding class and support group, and offers a 24-hour rooming in option for new mothers and their babies. Additionally, midwives conduct daily rounds on the unit to provide new mothers with extra support.
Kirton said, “we’re very committed to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding efforts. Ultimately, our goal is to help mothers succeed at breastfeeding.”
To watch Channel 7's coverage of the press conference, please click here.
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