Newsroom

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital today participated in a world-wide event that linked moms across the globe in simultaneous breastfeeding.

Ten moms and their babies gathered on the lawn at the Hospital’s Dempsey House to support breastfeeding by attending the event, which seeks to raise awareness about the normal and natural process of breastfeeding. They joined with thousands of moms across the world in simultaneously breastfeeding their babies.

Their participation was recorded in an attempt to break the worldwide record. Last year, 14,536 children breastfed at the same time at 845 locations in 28 countries. Hudson Valley was the only location in Westchester County.

The event was timed in honor of World Breastfeeding Week. The Big Latch On was started by the Women’s Health Action in 2005 to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.

"We were very excited about the turnout for The Big Latch On. HVHC has been working with our moms and community to assist patients with exclusive breastfeeding and today was a great example of how successful we have become," said Sabrina Nitkowski-Keever, Director of Maternity.

Moms were invited to come with blankets, pillows or cushions to sit on. Water and refreshments were provided.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is a big supporter of breastfeeding. Last year, the Hospital became the first in the region to be designated by the World Health Organization and Baby Friendly USA for excellence in maternity care and breastfeeding support.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, seeks to improve infant health by implementing a global best-practices program. Studies show that breastfeeding in infancy promotes good health throughout life. Baby-Friendly hospitals provide guidance in helping parents to make informed choices about how to feed and care for their babies.

Breastfeeding is known to fight disease, lower sick care visits and hospitalizations, and help develop strong bonds between mother and child. Evidence has demonstrated that breastfeeding also helps regulate respiration, temperature, glucose, and heart rates for babies, and helps speed childbirth recovery for moms as well as helping to fight obesity later in life.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital has one of the top breastfeeding support programs in the state and was presented with an award of excellence by New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah in April 2011. HVHC is also the only Hospital and Birthing Center in Westchester and Putnam counties to be recognized for breastfeeding support by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

The Hospital has abreastfeeding support group that meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month and offers prenatal education classes, private consultations, telephone triage and a new class on what to expect for grandparents.

For more information on the breastfeeding programs at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital call 914-734-3896 or visit hvhc.npgdev.com.