The Birthplace at UPMC Williamsport Designated Baby-Friendly for Excellence in Breastfeeding Support

November 6, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Birthplace, a UPMC Magee-Womens facility at UPMC Williamsport, was recently recognized by Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, for achieving the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation. This distinguished honor demonstrates The Birthplace’s adherence to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

“Our staff is dedicated to providing the best quality care for moms and babies,” said Natalie McCullen, RN, international board-certified lactation consultant, UPMC in North Central Pa. “The achievement of getting selected recognizes all the hard work and dedication of our staff toward promoting the highest standard of support and care for every mother and baby who comes through our doors. It distinguishes our programs from others available in the region and aligns us with an elite group of hospitals nationally.”

The standards of Baby-Friendly designation are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the vital first days of a newborn’s life. The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world.

“The Birthplace has long been a recognized leader in the care of women and newborns,” said Brenda Terry-Manchester, director, Women’s Health Services, UPMC in North Central Pa. “This designation is a tribute to our commitment of ensuring that every woman who delivers a baby at our facility is given the resources, information and support needed to help her and her baby get the best, healthiest start in life.”

The Birthplace at UPMC Williamsport has been designated as a Baby-Friendly facility since 2016. With this re-designation, they join a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 602 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

For more information on the comprehensive maternity care services offered at UPMC Magee-Womens locations in north central Pennsylvania, visit UPMC.com/MaternityNCPA.