Dozens of new moms and their babies will gather with Sarasota Memorial’s mother-baby team for an important announcement and information about SMH’s international designation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital. More than two years in the making, the hard-earned achievement is a milestone event for Sarasota Memorial and the families of more than 3,600 babies it delivers each year. The new designation comes from Baby Friendly USA, part of a global initiative of the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund that encourages hospitals around the world to create care environments and cultures that support mother-baby bonding, breastfeeding and best practices in maternity care. Sarasota Memorial is the first hospital in southwest Florida – and among a select group in the nation and world to earn international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Hospital. SMH Chief of Pediatrics Rene Sueiro, MD, and SMH Chief of Obstetrics John Abu, MD, will discuss what the designation means to our community and how the global initiative is lowering the risk of certain diseases for both mothers and their babies and giving babies the healthiest start in life. Members of the media are invited to attend and interview/photograph/videotape SMH staff, physicians and, of course, all the new moms.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital