Winnie Palmer Hospital earns Baby-Friendly designation

Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies has received international designation as a Baby-Friendly facility that promotes evidencebased practices that promote breastfeeding.

The new designation makes Winnie Palmer the second hospital in Central Florida to receive the honor. Florida Hospital Celebration Health received the recognition in 2014.

Winnie Palmer Hospital, which is part of Orlando Health, is now the highest-volume delivery hospital to receive the Baby-Friendly designation, the hospital said.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our team members throughout the Baby-Friendly process,” said Winnie Palmer Hospital pediatrician and chief quality officer of newborn care, Dr. Rachel Prete, in a news release. “Winnie Palmer Hospital is committed to providing the support, education and resources moms need to successfully breastfeed when they leave our care.”

The designation is part of an initiative sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to distinguish hospitals and birthing centers that provide an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

More than 500 U.S. hospitals and birthing centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hold the Baby-Friendly designation, according to BabyFriendly USA.

In addition to Winnie Palmer Hospital and Florida Hospital Celebration, nineteen hospitals in designation.