North Oaks Medical Center Achieves Renewal of Louisiana's Breastfeeding Quality Designation

North Oaks Medical Center proudly announces its continued recognition as a Gift-designated hospital. North Oaks became a Gift-designated hospital for the first time in 2016.

The Gift is a quality initiative and hospital designation program through the Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Public Health – Bureau of Family Health.

Eligible birthing facilities are reviewed every three years for their performance on practices and policies that are aligned with the evidence-based, internationally recognized Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding from the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. In addition, these facilities are assessed for their degree of participation in quality improvement activities and implementation of available patient education materials. Policy development, education of staff, patient education and provision of discharge resources for breastfeeding mothers are key components of the program.

“We are thrilled to remain among the family of birthing facilities in the state that have received The Gift designation,” affirms Kirsten Riney, Vice President of Patient Services for North Oaks Health System. “This achievement demonstrates our team’s commitment to offering quality, patient-centered care. It also highlights improvements our hospital has made to help produce better outcomes for all mothers and infants.”

The Gift is designed to increase breastfeeding rates and hospital success by improving the quality of maternity services and enhancing patient-centered care. The Gift designation gives North Oaks Medical Center a better opportunity to achieve further certifications and accreditations as well as meet national and international quality measures and standards of care.

“Our goal is to provide mothers and babies with the very best information and tools at this crucial moment in their lives and we are able to do so through valuable hospital partners like North Oaks Medical Center,” said Marci Brewer, State Breastfeeding Program Manager, Bureau of Family Health. “The Gift program encourages continued progress toward the pursuit of the international designation, Baby-Friendly, a global initiative to promote hospitals and birthing centers that offer optimal care in lactation services.”