Hudson Valley Hospital Center recognized as 'baby friendly'

Hudson Valley Hospital Center has been designated a "Baby Friendly" Hospital by Baby Friendly USA, an initiative sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund.

The Baby Friendly effort seeks to improve infant health by implementing a best-practices breast-feeding program. The Hudson Valley Hospital Center is the fourth hospital in New York State, and the only one in Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties, to earn the designation.

"Hudson Valley Hospital Center's expertise with regard to breast-feeding initiatives, unique and ground breaking approaches to lactation, and commitment by medical staff and nursing staff were all well received by the surveyors during their visit here," said John Federspiel, president of the hospital.

The hospital has a breast-feeding support group that meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. For more information on the group call 914-734-3896 or visit www.hvhc.org. Hudson Valley Hospital Center is located at 1980 Crompond Rd. in Cortlandt Manor.