Grady Memorial Hospital has joined an elite group of U.S. hospitals with the awarding of the Baby-Friendly USA international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility.

There are currently 289 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States and more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. The "Baby-Friendly" designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

"Grady's designation as a Baby-Friendly birth center is an outstanding achievement and demonstrates our commitment to providing the best care possible for new mothers and their babies. Grady is proud to be one of only four Georgia hospitals to attain this prestigious designation," said Dr. Rhonda Scott, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, Grady Health System.

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.