Community Hospital in Grand Junction has once again earned statewide recognition for its efforts to promote breastfeeding.

Community Hospital received the Colorado Celebrate 6 Award of Breastfeeding Excellence from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The hospital also received the award in 2020. Community Hospital is among 14 facilities in Colorado that have received certification from Baby-Friendly USA.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized once again by the Colorado Baby Friendly Hospital Collaborative,” said Marsha Bagby, director of the Birth Place at Community Hospital. “We are committed to maintaining the prestigious baby friendly designation and fully support evidence-based maternity and breastfeeding care for mothers and babies in our community.”

The award recognizes hospitals that have implemented at least six of ten steps to increase breastfeeding success and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

“These hospitals have worked hard to create change that support Colorado families to breastfeed,” said Stacy Miller, a breastfeeding specialist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and facilitator of the Colorado Baby Friendly Hospital Collaborative.

“With over 90 percent of Colorado families choosing to breastfeed their children each year, such policies and practices are essential,” Miller said.

To learn more about labor and delivery services offered at the Birth Place at Community Hospital, visit the website at www.YourCommunityHospital.com.