Bridgton Hospital has received its Certificate of Intent to become designated as a “Baby Friendly Hospital”, said Crystal Drew, RN, Clinical Coordinator of the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center at Bridgton Hospital.

To accomplish this designation, the hospital has to initiate the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which ensure that hospital routines, procedures and policies remain supportive of the successful initiation and establishment of breastfeeding. According to Drew, “The intent is for mothers to receive access to skilled support to help them initiate and sustain appropriate feeding practices, and to prevent difficulties and overcome them when they occur.”

The Special Delivery nursing staff at Bridgton Hospital has two Certified Lactation professionals. Drew is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Laurie Green, RN, is a Certified Lactation Counselor. The hospital also offers “Mom’s Milk”, a breastfeeding support group led by the Certified Lactation professionals.