Northeastern Vermont Hospital Earns Fifth ‘Baby-Friendly‘ Designation
A Vermont hospital is continuing its legacy of providing exceptional care for new parents and their infants, earning a prestigious national designation for its commitment to breastfeeding support.
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) has been named a “baby-friendly” hospital for the fifth time, a distinction it has held longer than any other facility in the state. This mark of excellence recognizes NVRH’s dedication to implementing best practices in infant feeding care, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes the bond between parent and child.
A Holistic Approach to Newborn Care
“I always feel we’re the sideshow, and this family is working together at just an incredibly beautiful event,” said Carol Moore-Whitney, NVRH lactation consultant, reflecting on the birth experience. “While birth is the main event, NVRH staff are anything but an afterthought.”
Moore-Whitney and her colleagues are deeply involved in guiding families through the crucial first hours, days, and weeks with their newborns. Their approach emphasizes keeping parent and baby together as much as possible, fostering a strong bond from the very beginning.
“Patients really appreciate the support to not be separated from their babies unless it’s absolutely necessary,” said Laura Emery of NVRH.
Beyond the Hospital Doors: Empowering Families
The commitment to infant and parent well-being extends far beyond the hospital walls. NVRH takes a proactive approach, educating expectant parents on the importance of breast and chest feeding before their baby arrives. The hospital provides them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed, ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood.
“I think it just reflects that legacy. We’re fortunate to have had that at that time to sort of start that process and to maintain those connections,” said Moore-Whitney, highlighting the hospital’s longstanding commitment to this philosophy.
Achieving Baby-Friendly Status: A Team Effort
Becoming a “baby-friendly” hospital is no easy feat. It requires meeting rigorous internationally recognized criteria set by Baby-Friendly USA, a non-profit organization that promotes breastfeeding. Hospitals must demonstrate a dedication to evidence-based practices that support breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding.
NVRH staff undergo extensive training to ensure they are well-equipped to provide top-tier care. They meticulously track the progress of both babies and parents, ensuring everyone receives the personalized support they need.
“For me, it means really bringing really good, consistent quality care to families in our area and in rural northern Vermont,” said Moore-Whitney.
A Statewide Goal: Expanding Access to Support
While NVRH stands as a shining example, officials at the Vermont Department of Health acknowledge that not all hospitals have the resources to achieve this designation.
“If you don’t have that initial support, it can be really challenging to get this off the ground,” said Gillian MacKinnon of the Vermont Department of Health.
She expresses the state’s hope to see more hospitals embrace these practices, expanding access to high-quality support for all Vermont families. Until then, NVRH will proudly continue its legacy as a beacon of care for newborns and their parents.
How does NVRH continue to support families’ breastfeeding journeys after they leave the hospital?
## Northeastern Vermont Hospital: Committed to Family-Centered Care
**(News Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to Health Horizons. Today, we’re celebrating a remarkable achievement in the world of maternity care. Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, or NVRH, has been recognized for the fifth time as a “baby-friendly” hospital by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. This prestigious designation is a testament to the hospital’s unwavering commitment to supporting breastfeeding and nurturing the bond between mothers and their babies.
Joining us today is Laura Emery, spokesperson for NVRH, to share more about this incredible honor.
Laura, welcome to the show!
**Laura Emery:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** This is a significant accomplishment, being recognized as “baby-friendly” for the fifth time. What does this distinction mean for NVRH and the families you serve?
**Laura Emery:** It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition again. For us, it reflects our unwavering dedication to providing the best possible start for newborns and their families. The “baby-friendly” designation represents a commitment to implementing evidence-based practices that support breastfeeding and promote a strong bond between parents and babies. [[[1](https://nvrh.org/birth-center/)]]
**Host:** Can you tell us more about the specific practices that contribute to NVRH’s “baby-friendly” status?
**Laura Emery:** Absolutely. We emphasize practices like skin-to-skin contact right after birth, rooming-in where babies stay with parents in their hospital room, and providing expert lactation support from our dedicated team. We believe these practices empower mothers to confidently breastfeed and nurture their babies from the very beginning. [[[1](https://nvrh.org/birth-center/)]]
**Host:** It’s wonderful that NVRH takes a holistic approach to newborn care. How does the hospital support families beyond the walls of the hospital?
**Laura Emery:** We believe education is key. Our team provides prenatal classes that educate expectant parents on the benefits of breastfeeding and chest feeding. We equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. It’s about going beyond the delivery room and ensuring families feel empowered to continue their breastfeeding journey at home.
**Host:** That’s truly inspiring. Congratulations again to NVRH for this well-deserved honor. You’re setting a wonderful example for other hospitals nationwide.
**Laura Emery:** Thank you. We’re proud to be a part of the ”baby-friendly” community and to support families on their breastfeeding journeys.
**(News Outro Music)**
