Finding A Baby Friendly Hospital in Rhode Island

In 1991, WHO and UNICEF launched a world-wide initiative to create programs within hospitals, enabling them to be “ baby friendly.” It may seem counterintuitive that any hospital with a labor and delivery ward would be anything but baby friendly, but this program took the term to new levels. The program strives to promote a healthy breastfeeding atmosphere for new parents with support from the moment a child is placed into their mothers arms. There are pros and cons to every hospital experience, and finding a baby friendly hospital in RI that suits the needs of you and your little one can be tricky, but we have some tips to find the one for you!

What “Baby Friendly” Hospitals Offer

1. Written breastfeeding policy 
2. Train all staff in the same policy
3. Skin to skin contact immediately following birth
4. Support and education of breastfeeding patients
5. Breastfeeding within half an hour of birth
6. Rooming in- baby and mom will be together 24/7
7. Breastmilk only policy unless medical needs require formula
8. On demand feedings
9. No pacifiers 
10. Offer breastfeeding support groups  upon discharge

Committing to a “baby friendly” hospital does mean that the staff will highly encourage and promote their written breastfeeding policy. This can be a wonderful resource for parents who want to solely focus on breastfeeding and learning about the best ways to facilitate that. Breastfeeding can be a beautiful journey that allows you to bond with your baby, but it’s also extremely hard and the learning curve can be daunting. Having resources such as awfully trained staff, is one way to ensure you leave feeling more comfortable with how to feed your baby.

However, it is important to set boundaries that your family is comfortable with. If you love the idea of using a pacifier, like we do, being upfront with the staff and sticking to your boundaries is important. Finding a hospital to support not only breastfeeding, but a healthy relationship with eating is a great way to balance expectations. If the idea of rooming in and having your little one with you for all their tests and new moments appeals to you, but you plan to use formula, ask the staff before you commit how the support for that looks as well. 

Finding a Baby Friendly Hospital in RI

• Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island – Providence 
• Kent Hospital – Warwick
• Newport Hospital – Newport
• South County Hospital – Wakefield

Rhode Island is tiny, but there are some excellent hospitals that promote the “baby friendly” initiative. One of the pros of living in the smallest state is that each hospital is relatively close to one another, and interviewing with them is a bit easier. Remember to set your sights on what your post-birthing experience looks like and ask how the hospital can help facilitate that for you. It can be difficult to remember that the hospital you give birth in is there to help you, and you are not indebted to them or the way they prefer things to be done. Parenthood is a long journey and starting at a hospital that supports your needs is just one step, but make sure it’s one you’re comfortable with.