Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (PPMH) has been selected to be among the first hospitals in the nation to join the EMPower Initiative to enhance maternity care practices and work toward achieving the Baby Friendly USA© designation.

EMPower is a hospital-based quality improvement initiative focusing on maternity care practices leading to Baby-Friendly designation. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EMPower is aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates throughout the United States, and promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices toward the ultimate goal of improving the public’s health.

“We are honored to have been selected to participate in the EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative.  Breastfeeding is a healthcare decision, and this initiative allows us to have a positive impact on the healthcare decisions of women and children across our service area,” said PPMH lactation consultant Debra Knight, R.N., IBCLC.

 As part of this effort, Phoebe will receive ongoing support in breastfeeding practices from experienced coaches, as well as training and resource support in lactation education. The effort supports evidence-based practices for prenatal and maternity settings known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, an effort to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that complete the Ten Steps. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, launched in the United States in 1996, designates “Baby-Friendly” hospitals that meet the criteria for women to initiate and continue with breastfeeding.

The EMPower Team is led by Abt Associates, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, and the Center for Public Health Quality.