Why is breastfeeding so important? Find out at free presentation

Tina Cardarelli

Reid Health is on track to receive Baby-Friendly designation this year from Baby- Friendly USA, an achievement that will benefit families throughout the region. Community members can learn all about it at a free presentation at Reid Health on Wednesday, Aug. 17, from noon to 1 p.m.

Presenter Tina Cardarelli is director of breastfeeding services at the Indiana Perinatal Network, home of the Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition. She says she is excited to let community members know about the benefits of breastfeeding and highlight the important work that Reid Health has done to create a hospital and community that supports families to breastfeed. “Achieving Baby-Friendly status is a comprehensive, detailed and thorough journey—many people say it is the largest quality improvement project a hospital will ever undertake,” she says. “Reid will be only the eleventh out of 90 delivering hospitals in Indiana to become Baby Friendly. It’s a really big deal!”

The Baby-Friendly designation began in 1991 in response to rising infant mortality rates around the world, and is sponsored by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund. To become Baby Friendly, a hospital must demonstrate its commitment to a whole philosophy of care that helps women understand the benefits of breast-feeding and be successful at it.

“Breastfeeding provides babies with excellent nutrition, enhances mother-baby bonding, protects babies against infection and auto-immune diseases, prevents maternal and baby obesity, and much more,” Cardarelli says. “There really is no substitute! Reid Health’s commitment to promoting breastfeeding is something the community should be very proud of.”

Cardarelli’s presentation will take place in Lingle Auditorium at Reid Health. To register, please call (765) 983-3215.