Madison Birth Center Receives Top Honors from UNICEF and World Health Organization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2005
MADISON-Madison Birth Center, Wisconsin's first free-standing birth center, was recently awarded a Baby-Friendly™ birth facility designation, one of only 50 hospitals and birth centers in the country to achieve this prestigious international recognition, sponsored by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Baby-Friendly USA recognizes hospitals and birth centers that provide breastfeeding mothers and their babies an optimal level of breastfeeding support. To qualify for the honorific, these facilities must undergo a rigorous on-site survey that assesses their quality of care and ability to provide breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to initiative and continue breastfeeding their babies. Only two other health facilities in Wisconsin received the designation.
"This is a remarkable accomplishment and contributes significantly to the health of women, infants, and families in your community," said Dr. Audrey Naylor, United States Breastfeeding Committee.
"We are so pleased to receive this honor," said Aszani Kunkler, founder of Madison Birth Center (MBC). "Breastfeeding provides substantial benefits to mother and baby. Through education and support, every mother can breastfeed her baby. Our high breastfeeding rates show that our program of care is right on target," she said.
In 2004 Madison Birth Center was recognized by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) for achieving one of the best breastfeeding rates in the country. In addition, MBC's breastfeeding rates are well above the national average and exceed the United States Healthy People 2010 goals for breastfeeding.
Research shows that breastmilk is the best first food for infants and provides health advantages throughout the lifespan. Studies estimate that the US health care system would save $3.6 billion every year if Americans breastfed at the rates recommended by the Healthy People 2010 guidelines.
Madison Birth Center was founded in 2003. The Center offers childbearing options for women and families, providing both birth center and home birth services. It also provides general women's healthcare services, breastfeeding and natural childbirth classes and a new mother's support group. Madison Birth Center is staffed by Board-Certified Nurse-Midwives, each with a Masters degree in nursing.
