First Steps Breastfeeding
First Steps Breastfeeding
Leading health organizations endorse exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued feeding for at least the first year due to its health benefits for both baby and mother.
The Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Department of Health’s Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies program recognizes Ohio maternity hospitals that support breastfeeding. The program provides learning and networking opportunities to promote the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
Learn more about our work and statewide improvements in our 2019 white paper publication.
OHA Contact
Ryan Everett
Director, Community and Public Health Programs
Statewide Partnership Recognizing Ohio Hospitals
Application & Participating Hospitals
Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies proudly recognizes Ohio hospitals that have earned recognition for achieving a level in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
Bag Free Designation
First Steps for Healthy Babies, in partnership with the Ohio Breastfeeding Alliance and the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association, presented Maternity Care Best Practice Award Bag Free Recognition to hospitals for removal of free infant formula samples and formula company branded diaper bags and goods.
Fatherhood & Partner Engagement
Ohio First Steps, in partnership with the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, in 2022 began recognizing hospitals for engaging fathers and partners in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
Program Materials & Educational Opportunities
OHA and ODH, along with our partners, developed a variety of tools and resources for hospitals and health centers to utilize to promote the value and importance of breastfeeding to patients and the community.