***Media Advisory***

Maryland Announces New Breastfeeding

Recommendations for Hospitals

Baltimore, MD (November 9, 2012) –The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) will announce the new Maryland Hospital Breastfeeding Policy Recommendations at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville.

The recommendations were developed through a collaborative process over many months working with many stakeholders.  The recommendations establish a model that will promote breastfeeding, is voluntary, and closely reflects the WHO/UNICEF evidence-based “Baby-Friendly” policy.  All Maryland birthing hospitals are being asked to consider their own readiness and to commit to a pathway to adopt either the Maryland recommendations or seek “Baby-Friendly” status through certification through Baby-Friendly USA™. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, which delivers more than 5,000 babies each year, is a leader among Maryland hospitals in working to achieve “Baby-Friendly” status.

Officials from Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, DHMH and other health groups will discuss the new recommendations and the benefits to mothers and babies at a news conference for members of the media and the community.

WHEN:        10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13

WHERE:      Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

                      Birch/Sycamore Conference Rooms, 1st Floor

                      9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

WHO:           Frances Phillips, R.N., Deputy Secretary, DHMH

                       Avneet Bawa, M.D., Chair of Pediatrics, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

                       James Rost, M.D., Pediatric Medical Director, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

                       Terry Francis, Director of Perinatal Services, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

                       Dana Silver, M.D., MD Chapter, American Academy of Pediatricians 

                       Vergie Hughes, R.N.,  President, MD Breastfeeding Coalition

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