What is Baby Friendly?
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global initiative created to help improve the care of pregnant women, mothers and infants. The ultimate goal of BFHI is to promote and support breastfeeding. Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA understands that choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the biggest decisions expectant and new parents will make. Our team educates all expectant mothers about all of their options so they can make an informed decision.
Does Chester County Hospital require, expect or demand all new moms to breastfeed?
Chester County Hospital encourages breastfeeding, but we respect your choice to feed your baby how you wish. Our goal is to help educate expectant and new mothers about the options available. Ultimately, the choice is yours and our staff will support your preference so that your baby is nourished and healthy. For many, the decision to breastfeed or formula feed is based on their comfort level, lifestyle, and specific medical situations.
Does Chester County Hospital provide formula for moms who choose to formula feed their babies?
If you communicate that you would like to formula-feed your baby, Chester County Hospital will provide the formula*. Our team will not assume it is okay to introduce your baby to formula until you inform them of your preference. New parents do not need to bring formula with them to the hospital. All formula-feeding moms will receive thorough education on safe formula preparation and feeding techniques.
*Chester County Hospital purchases formula at fair market value. By policy, it does not receive any free formula, take-home samples or marketing collateral from any formula manufacturers. The hospital does not receive any financial incentives related to Baby-Friendly initiatives
Does Chester County Hospital formula feed babies who are breastfeeding?
Supplementing formula to a baby who is learning to breastfeed can potentially decrease milk supply, confuse the baby. We follow the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which are evidence-based practices that have been shown to increase successful breastfeeding. However, if it is determined to be medically necessary for your baby's health, we will help you express your breast milk (which is the preferred first line of supplementation). Formula is also available and can be provided if needed.
If I decide to breastfeed, will my baby get enough breast milk in the hospital?
A mother's body can do amazing things. In the first days of your baby's life, your body naturally supplies what your baby needs. We encourage skin-to-skin contact in the first hour of life because it gives your baby his/her first opportunity to attempt to breastfeed. Colostrum is your baby's first milk, but it also acts as your baby's first vaccine by building their immunity to protect him/her from infection. In the earliest days, the small amount of colostrum your body creates is perfect for a baby's tiny tummy. For some, breastfeeding happens easily; for others, it requires time and patience. In the hospital, lactation consultants and nurses will assist you with any questions and concerns you may have, and our medical staff will closely monitor your baby's health and weight to support your infant-feeding choice. Once you return home, we encourage you to continue learning to breastfeed and if you have any questions, seek support using the Breastfeeding Resources List that have been provided. You can also read more Breastfeeding Facts.
Does Chester County Hospital have a nursery?
Yes. Chester County Hospital respects a mom's choice to have the baby to room in with her or if she wants to use the nursery. Before and during your stay, we will provide you with insight about the benefits of having your baby room in with you. Rooming in allows you and your baby to get to know each other. You will learn your baby's nourishment cues so your feeding choice is successful during and after your stay. For your baby, he/she will get extra skin-to-skin contact and bonding time. Our nurses will help you take care of your baby during your stay. The nurses, doctors and lactation consultants will join you regularly to provide hands-on newborn education and care at the bedside. We recommend napping during afternoon "Quiet Time" hours, and we suggest limiting the number of visitors in the hospital so you can rest. Your nurse or support person can help soothe/settle the baby while you rest or you can settle your baby on their back in the bassinette. If you need help, your nurse is just a call bell away. We appreciate that the first days of motherhood can be exhausting, so if you ask for your baby to spend some time in the nursery we will always honor that request.
Does Chester County Hospital give pacifiers to babies?
Chester County Hospital wants your infant feeding choice to be successful. We have learned that pacifiers can disguise natural feeding cues and may confuse babies who are learning to nurse. For mom’s that decide to breastfeed, we recommend that you wait a few weeks before offering a pacifier. Keeping skin to skin contact with your baby while you are awake will prompt, frequent suckling at the breast and will help bring in your milk supply sooner. If you would like your baby to use a pacifier during your short hospital stay, please bring one with you when you come into the hospital. (Note: The Chester County Hospital staff will use a pacifier to soothe a baby during a procedure, such as circumcision).
Can I talk to someone at the hospital if I have more questions?
Chester County Hospital's lactation consultants and childbirth educators are happy to provide any support or answer any questions you might have. In addition to a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class and a course for Pumping and Returning to Work, Chester County Hospital also has a Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group and Perinatal Mental Health resources.
If You Have Additional Questions:
Please call 610.738.2582 to let us know how we can help.