Hospitals agree to state's breast-feeding standards

The breast-feeding recommendations are the first the state has ever issued and came as medical groups and government health agencies, including the U.S. surgeon general, have placed more focus on breast-feeding. 

Studies have found that breast-fed babies have lower incidents of ear infections, allergies and other health problems, but  many mothers find the practice more difficult than they anticipated. Nurses and lactation specialists can help ease the process while mothers are still in the hospital and provide support groups after they return home, state health officials hope.

Nine hospitals have expressed their intent to be certified as 'Baby-Friendly':

·         Calvert Memorial Hospital

·         Howard County General Hospital

·         Johns Hopkins Hospital

·         Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center

·         Medstar Harbor Hospital

·         Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital

·         Meritus Medical Center

·         Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

·         Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

These 23 hospitals have signed letters of commitment to follow the Maryland's Hospital Breastfeeding Policy Recommendations:

·         Anne Arundel Medical Center

·         Carroll Hospital Center

·         Memorial Hospital at Easton

·         Frederick Memorial Hospital

·         Garrett County Memorial Hospital

·         Greater Baltimore Medical Center

·         Holy Cross Hospital

·         Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

·         Laurel Regional Hospital

·         Medstar Montgomery Medical Center

·         Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

·         Mercy Medical Center

·         Peninsula Regional Medical Center

·         Prince George’s Hospital Center

·         Sinai Hospital

·         St. Agnes Hospital

·         Union Hospital of Cecil County

·         University of Maryland Medical Center

·         University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

·         University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (formerly Civista)

·         University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

·         Washington Adventist

·         Western Maryland Health System