MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Adventist Health and Rideout is thrilled to announce its Family Birthing Center has been awarded the internationally recognized Baby-Friendly designation after undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by Baby-Friendly USA.

This prestigious certification reflects the hospital’s commitment to the highest standards of maternity care, ensuring breastfeeding mothers and their newborns receive unparalleled support from the very first moments of life.

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated that “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children.”

The Baby-Friendly designation is based on the rigorous “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” a globally endorsed initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). These evidence-based practices ensure optimal infant feeding and bonding, establishing a solid foundation for lifelong health.

“This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing the health and well-being of our community’s mothers and infants,” said Krista Minton, Family Birthing Center director at Adventist Health and Rideout. “We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to new families, ensuring they have the best resources and guidance to thrive from day one.”

This designation not only highlights Adventist Health and Rideout’s commitment to the families in the Yuba-Sutter community but also solidifies its place among leading healthcare providers, ensuring local access to the best possible start in life for generations to come.