San Juan Regional Health

San Juan Regional Medical Center is proud to announce that we have achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation following a rigorous review process by Baby-Friendly USA. San Juan Regional Medical Center first received this distinguished honor in 2019 and is now redesignated as a Baby-Friendly hospital through 2030.

Baby-Friendly hospitals adhere to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the first days of a newborn’s life. The basic tenants of Baby-Friendly USA’s philosophy and approach are:

1. Human milk fed through direct breastfeeding is the optimal way for human infants to be nurtured and nourished.
2. The precious first days in the birth facility should be protected as a time of bonding and support not influenced by commercial interests.
3. Every mother should be informed about the importance of breastfeeding and respected to make her own decision.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our caregivers throughout the Baby-Friendly process,” said Kammie Monarch, Chief Nursing Officer at San Juan Regional Medical Center. “Our caregivers’ dedication to providing the support, education and resources moms need ensure that babies get the best, healthiest start in life.” 

To ensure an optimal level of care for every woman who delivers a baby in our Childbirth Center, San Juan Regional Medical Center implements skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. In addition, babies room-in with their mothers. These best practices promote bonding and have many additional benefits for both mother and baby, including:

• Better quality sleep
• Less crying and distress
• Improved breastfeeding experience

“The hospital experience strongly influences a mother’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” said Sonja Crum, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at San Juan Regional Medical Center. “We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation to ensure that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are fully supported.” 

The support continues after mothers leave San Juan Regional Medical Center. We offer comprehensive breastfeeding support services to all new mothers in the community, free of charge compliments of your community hospital, as well as a wide array of classes. Check out our up-to-date listings on San Juan Regional Medical Center’s website.