The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, recognizes hospitals and birth centers that meet the highest standards in supporting breastfeeding and maternal-infant bonding. To receive this designation, Sturdy Memorial met the comprehensive criteria of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices proven to improve newborn health outcomes.

“This is a tremendous milestone for our hospital and the families we serve,” said Lisa Salameh, MHA, BSN, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Sturdy Health. “Our maternity services have never been stronger. From prenatal education and labor support to postpartum care and breastfeeding guidance, we provide an environment where every family can thrive from the very first moments.”

This achievement further cements the reputation of Sturdy Memorial Hospital’s maternity program as one of the region’s most trusted and respected centers for childbirth and newborn care. Known for its personalized, family-centered approach, Sturdy joins an elite and growing list of more than 510 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States committed to excellence in maternal and newborn health.

With expert obstetricians, lactation consultants, and compassionate nursing staff, patients receive comprehensive support through every stage of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

“This designation is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from our entire team,” Salameh added. “It’s about more than breastfeeding—it’s about giving babies the healthiest start possible and supporting parents every step of the way.”

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About Sturdy Health

Established on April 14, 1913, Sturdy Health is an independent, not-for-profit health system comprised of a 126-bed acute care hospital, 25 primary and specialty care medical offices and an Urgent Care Center dedicated to providing a broad range of healthcare services to the residents of communities in Southeastern Massachusetts and neighboring Rhode Island. Sturdy’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of the people in our communities through kindness, compassion, and convenient access to the highest quality care. In keeping with its mission, construction is underway on the new Sturdy Health Cancer & Specialty Care Medical Office Building, designed with optimum patient and care team experience top of mind. This three-story, state-of-the-art, 60,000+ square foot facility represents a $50 million investment in the overall health and wellness of those they serve. This aligns with Sturdy Health’s multi-year strategic master space plan initiative to expand its footprint for greater care access and to transform its facilities and the experience provided to its patients and care team members. Learn more about Sturdy Health at www.sturdyhealth.org.

About Baby-Friendly USA

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.