St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York, has been redesignated as a Baby-Friendly Hospital by Baby-Friendly USA. This recognition reflects the hospital’s dedication to providing optimal care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding, based on international best practices.
The Baby-Friendly standards are part of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This initiative ensures high-quality support during the first days of a newborn’s life.
“This redesignation is more than a milestone – it reflects EHS’s unwavering commitment to health equity and excellence,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer at EHS. “Every mother-to-be deserves access to safe, high-quality maternal and newborn care, and this recognition affirms we are meeting international standards while continuing to raise the bar for the communities we serve.”
“Being redesignated as a Baby-Friendly Hospital is a powerful affirmation of our clinical standards and patient-centered care approach,” said Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology at EHS. “We are deeply committed to supporting mothers and families from their very first moments as parents – through education, empowerment, and care that honors each family’s values.”
The redesignation coincides with EHS’s plans to open a new Labor and Delivery Suite later this month. This expansion aims to enhance access to culturally responsive maternal care on the Rockaway Peninsula.
Episcopal Health Services Inc., located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York, provides comprehensive healthcare services regardless of patients’ ability to pay.
