New Haven, CT - The Hospital of Saint Raphael is the first hospital in New Haven County and just the fourth in the state to be designated “Baby-Friendly” by an international program to promote breast-feeding and mother-child bonding. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund named Saint Raphael’s as a Baby-Friendly Hospital this month under an initiative to recognize hospitals and birth centers that help parents make informed choices about feeding and caring for their babies.
“This designation tells the community that we are completely dedicated to giving babies the best start to a healthy life,” said Annmarie Golioto, M.D., a physician at Saint Raphael’s Dr. Romeo A. and Lena B. Vidone Birth Center and medical director of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. “Providing infants with human milk gives them the most complete nutrition possible. Breast milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for a baby to thrive.”
Under the Baby-Friendly program, Saint Raphael’s promotes breastfeeding and “skin-to-skin” contact between babies and parents, along with encouraging mothers to “room-in” with their babies as much as possible when at the hospital. The hospital also no longer accepts free formula from manufacturers.
To prepare for the Baby-Friendly designation, Saint Raphael’s Women’s and Children’s Services staff underwent training on how to contribute to the breastfeeding success of mother and baby, resulting in a surge in breastfeeding rates at the hospital. Studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of babies becoming ill and is also associated with improved health in mothers and a reduced risk of disease in young children.
The Hospital of Saint Raphael offers a full range of sophisticated and compassionate healthcare for women and children. Our board-certified physicians and experienced staff include neonatologists, highly trained midwives, and pediatricians offering a full range of care for infants, children and adolescents. Expectant mothers can get care in a spa-like atmosphere at the newly renovated Dr. Romeo A. and Lena B. Vidone Birth Center. For more information, visit www.srhs.org/birthcenter.
