Rochester Regional Health’s United Memorial Medical Center Re-designated As a Baby-Friendly Hospital

BATAVIA, NY -  United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) is proud to announce that it has once again achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA. UMMC received its first designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital in 2019. This re-designation period will run until 2030. This designation demonstrates that UMMC adheres to the highest standards of care to help mothers and their babies get off to a healthy start by having skin-to-skin care right after birth, “rooming in” or allowing healthy babies to stay in the room with their mothers during their hospital stay, and breastfeeding when babies are ready.

These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the first days of a newborn’s life.

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world as one of the best ways to boost infants' immune systems, lower the risk of infections, and promote cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery and builds a nurturing bond with their child.

“The hospital experience strongly influences a mother’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” said Shawna Radder, RN, IBCLC. “We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation to ensure that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are fully supported.”

UMMC joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 560 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

UMMC is committed to helping new families even after they leave the hospital with Infant Feeding Classes, Breastfeeding and Beyond Baby Café, Lactation Education After Discharge (LEAD) Program and even a Breast/Chest Feeding Support Line at (585) 344-8104.

"United Memorial Medical Center aims to support, educate, and empower every family with the tools they need to make informed decisions. This commitment is part of our broader mission to provide exceptional care that fosters healthy families and supports long-term health outcomes," said Tara Gellasch, UMMC Chief Medical Officer and OBGYN. 

### 

About United Memorial Medical Center

United Memorial Medical Center has been serving residents of Genesee County and surrounding rural communities since its inception as Batavia Hospital in 1902. Today, United Memorial Medical Center represents more than 900 employees, all committed to providing patients with personalized, comprehensive, and state-of-the art care. United Memorial is a designated New York State Stroke Center, providing a full range of care services to meet its patients' needs. The 131-bed facility includes a state-of-the-art surgical department, a wound care center, urgent care, maternity services, and a Joint Replacement Center of Excellence - along with a number of primary and specialty physician offices. United Memorial Medical Center is proud to manage the New York State Cancer Services Partnership Grant for Orleans and Genesee Counties. 

About Rochester Regional Health

Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the region's second-largest employer. Learn more at www.Rochesterregional.org.