Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that it has achieved the prestigious international Baby-Friendly redesignation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA. The hospital was first designated as a Baby-Friendly hospital in 2019.

This honor demonstrates that Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital has continued to adhere to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our team members throughout the Baby-Friendly process,” said Lisa Songer, RN, MSN, Chief Administrative Officer, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. “Our hospital is committed to providing the support, education and resources mothers need to successfully initiate breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding when they leave our care.”

Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, over 600 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

“The hospital experience strongly influences a mother’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” said Angela Snider, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. “We are committed to ensuring that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed—as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed—are fully supported.”

“This redesignation reflects the passion and dedication of our entire team,” said Robin Drake, RNC-OB, Director of Nursing, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. “We are proud to help families in our community get off to the healthiest start possible by providing care that’s grounded in best practices and compassion.”

Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.BabyFriendlyUSA.org.

For more information about the Special Delivery Birthing Center at Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, visit MonHealth.com/SJMH/SJMH-Birth-Center.