Published: April 13, 2015
Sparrow has achieved a national benchmark in quality care for mothers and babies, as mid-Michigan’s only Baby-Friendly® Hospital. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
BFHI certification demonstrates excellence in providing evidence-based, Patient-centered maternity care that promotes best practices in infant feeding and mother/baby bonding. The goal is improved health outcomes for mothers and babies.
With nearly a quarter-million baby deliveries to our credit, Sparrow is the premier birthing hospital in mid-Michigan. We’re proud to say that only six hospitals in Michigan and only 245 in the entire country hold the Baby-Friendly designation.
Strong scientific evidence shows that breastfed children have fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including a reduced risk of SIDS, childhood cancers, and diabetes. Being Baby-Friendly is another way that Sparrow is improving the health of the people in our communities by providing quality, compassionate care to everyone, every time.
The media is welcome to attend our celebration on Thursday, April 23 from 4-7 p.m. in the Sparrow Professional Building, Third Floor Atrium. To learn more about Sparrow Birthing Services and the benefits of breastfeeding, visit babyfriendly.org and Sparrow.org/Birthing.
Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.