Episcopal Health Services (EHS) held an event at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital on August 7 to mark World Breastfeeding Week. The gathering brought together families, healthcare professionals, and community members for activities focused on breastfeeding education and support.
Debbie Steger Cohen, RN, a board-certified lactation consultant at EHS, led the program with a Jeopardy-style game that tested participants’ knowledge of breastfeeding benefits and nutrition for mothers and infants.
“At EHS, we are committed to supporting breastfeeding not only within the hospital, but also as a community initiative,” said Steger Cohen. “With our new Labor and Delivery Suite and recent Baby-Friendly redesignation, families can count on the highest level of maternal and child care at EHS – no matter who they are or how they choose to feed their baby.”
The event included presentations from several EHS staff members. Nurse educator Devena Sallah, RN, answered questions about breastfeeding. Te-Ana Souffrant, Perinatal Coordination Manager, spoke about doula services available to expectant mothers. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Melissa Bistricer discussed nutrition while breastfeeding. The Patient Experience team described their role in patient support throughout care. Cynthia Criss, DO, Chair of Pediatrics, also engaged with attendees during the program.
After the celebration, expectant parents toured EHS’s new Labor and Delivery Suite at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. The suite opened on August 18 and features six private rooms with ocean views along with updated operating rooms and recovery areas.
The event coincided with EHS’s recent redesignation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital—an international recognition for hospitals that provide evidence-based maternity care supporting breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding.
“This redesignation affirms our dedication to practices that foster strong mother-baby connections and support successful breastfeeding,” said Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chair of OBGYN at EHS. “Through community outreach and education, our mission extends beyond the hospital to provide families with the knowledge and resources they need for lifelong health and wellness.”
“Breastfeeding is one of the most impactful early health decisions a family can make,” said Jameela Yusuff, MD MPH MS FACP, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at EHS. “By investing in education, compassionate care, and supportive environments, we give every child the best possible start in life and every parent the confidence to make informed choices.”
Episcopal Health Services serves residents of Queens’ Rockaway Peninsula by providing emergency and ambulatory care as well as preventive services regardless of patients’ ability to pay.
