Touro Infirmary announced it has been re-designated as a Gift facility, Louisiana’s primary breastfeeding designation. The Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Public Health – Bureau of Family Health awards The Gift designation statewide to Louisiana birthing facilities who improve hospital practices and policies that are aligned with the evidence-based, internationally recognized Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding of the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
In addition, Touro Infirmary met specific processes and benchmarks, therefore, it has been elevated to the prestigious Gift Shining Star designation, which is the highest designation within The Gift program.
Touro Infirmary’s Gift Shining Star designation is effective until Sept. 30, 2020.
Policy development, education of staff, patient education, and provision of discharge resources for breastfeeding mothers are key components of The Gift program.
“Achievement of the Gift Shining Star designation reflects our team’s commitment to offering the highest quality, patient-centered care and highlights improvements Touro has made specifically to improve the health of mothers and babies. Fully supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed is a vital step,” said Danita Sullivan, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Touro Infirmary.
The Gift is an evidence-based designation program for Louisiana birthing facilities designed to increase breastfeeding rates and hospital success by improving the quality of maternity services and enhancing patient-centered care. The Gift re-designation gives Touro a better opportunity to achieve further certifications and accreditations, as well as meet national and international quality measures and standards of care.