(12-29-22) [St. Marys, Ohio] – Joint Township District Memorial Hospital Birthing Center continues to take steps to promote its support of successful breastfeeding. The Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies is a voluntary breastfeeding designation program through the Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio Department of Health that recognizes maternity centers in Ohio for taking steps to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in their organization. A star is awarded for every two steps achieved in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, as defined by the World Health Organization and Baby-Friendly USA. The initiative encourages maternity centers across the state to promote and support breastfeeding one step at a time.
The Joint Township District Memorial Hospital Birthing Center has now earned 4 stars for the completion of eight steps of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
Amy Becker Nurse Manager of the Birthing Center at JTDMH
“It is our hope that participation in the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies will continue the promotion of best practices in breastfeeding for our patients and the community. The support a new family receives from hospital staff and leaders can impact the decision to breastfeed. Increasing the number of breastfed newborns can lead to a decrease in the likelihood for future health conditions for the child such as asthma, diabetes and obesity.”
Pictured are Parents Paul and Erin Pfenning and daughter Violet Pfenning with Christy Muhlenkamp, R.N. at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital.
For more information about Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies, please visit, http://ohiohospitals.org/ohiofirststeps
Mercer County Outlook 