Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth (BID-Plymouth) is proud to announce that it has received prestigious international recognition as a Designated Baby-Friendly birth facility by Baby-Friendly USA. BID-Plymouth is one of only 13 hospitals in Massachusetts to receive this recognition and one of only three on the South Shore.

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

“The BirthPlace at BID-Plymouth is a great resource for the community and this recognition represents many years of hard work by our dedicated educators, nurses, midwives, and obstetricians,” says Stacy McLellan, Nursing Manager, BirthPlace at BID-Plymouth. “Our patients can expect to receive their care in an environment that focuses on breastfeeding while respecting a mother’s choice.”

There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 508 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The “Baby-Friendly” re-designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

About BID-Plymouth
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth is a not-for-profit organization serving 12 towns in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. BID-Plymouth is part of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center family of hospitals. Established in 1901 as Jordan Hospital, BID-Plymouth is a full-service, 164-bed acute care community hospital accredited by The Joint Commission, the College of American Pathologists, the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and the American College of Radiology.