Baptist Health-Conway is the first hospital in Faulkner County accredited as Baby-Friendly. The recognition is part of a global program that encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers offering an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

“We are honored to be the only hospital in Faulkner County with accreditation through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative,” said Tim Bowen, president of Baptist Health-Conway. “The designation is an affirmation of our commitment to providing unmatched care and support for mothers-to-be in the communities we serve.”

Baby-Friendly USA is the U.S. arm of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. 

More than 20,000 hospitals and birth centers worldwide have received the designation. Of that total, more than 550 – including Baptist Health’s other hospitals in Stuttgart, Arkadelphia and Little Rock – are actively Baby-Friendly.

Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the education, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. 

Baptist Health-Conway regularly offers breastfeeding classes to expectant mothers. Taught by a board-certified lactation consultant, each discusses the many benefits to breastfeeding including getting started, basic techniques, problems and solutions and how partners can support both mom and baby. To learn more about upcoming classes, visit baptist-health.com.