Queens and Elmhurst hospitals earn Baby-Friendly redesignation for maternal, infant care

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens and NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst have once again been recognized as “Baby-Friendly” hospitals, a global designation that honors excellence in maternity care, breastfeeding support and maternal-infant health practices.

Awarded by Baby-Friendly USA in May, the redesignation reaffirms both hospitals’ adherence to the World Health Organization’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding—a globally recognized standard for evidence-based maternity care.

“This redesignation reflects our promise to deliver equitable, patient-centered care,” said Neil J. Moore, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. “From our obstetrics teams to pediatric specialists, every member of our staff is dedicated to ensuring families receive the tools they need for a healthy start.”

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, located at 82-68 164th St. in Jamaica, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, located at 79-01 Broadway in Elmhurst, serve some of the most racially and linguistically diverse patient populations in the nation. Both institutions emphasize culturally responsive practices in their women’s health programs, including access to free doula services, high-risk pregnancy care, lactation support and maternal mental health services.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst’s Departments of Pediatrics, Neonatology, Women and Children’s Services, Ambulatory Care, and Ob/GYN recently celebrated the hospital’s redesignation as a “Baby-Friendly” hospital and its successful efforts to promote breastfeeding.

Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, said the redesignation was personal. “As a former breastfeeding mother, I know firsthand the importance of compassionate support. Our Baby-Friendly practices and doula partnerships are lifelines for families navigating systemic barriers—this is how we close gaps in care.”

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by WHO and UNICEF in 1991 to encourage maternity facilities to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Redesignation is granted every five years and only after a rigorous review process, requiring ongoing compliance with these standards.

At both Queens and Elmhurst hospitals, the presence of trained doulas has been critical to patient outcomes. According to hospital officials, doula-supported births have led to a 15% reduction in cesarean sections and a 25% increase in breastfeeding initiation rates among women of color.

“Our doulas are advocates and educators, ensuring every mother’s voice is heard,” said Stacey Whaley, Director of Nursing for Women & Children’s Division at Elmhurst.

Queens Hospital reported an increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates—from 5% to over 50% in the past decade—among its majority-minority patient population.

“By removing barriers to breastfeeding, we’ve seen tangible improvements in infant health,” said Dr. Alice Garner, Chief of Newborn Services at Queens Hospital. “Our work is about giving babies the strongest possible foundation.”

Dr. Dave Holson, Chief Medical Officer at Queens, emphasized collaboration: “This achievement is a testament to interdisciplinary teamwork. From obstetrics to pediatrics, we are united in our mission to advance health equity.”

Hospital leaders also highlighted the importance of nursing staff in promoting sustainable care.

“Breastfeeding education begins at the bedside,” said Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal, Chief Nursing Officer at Queens. “Our nurses empower families with the skills to thrive long after discharge—this is the heart of sustainable care.”

At Elmhurst, the redesignation was celebrated by departments across Pediatrics, Neonatology, Women and Children’s Services, Ambulatory Care, and OB/GYN.

“This honor recognizes our entire team’s dedication to optimizing health from birth, ensuring every family feels supported,” said Dr. Frederick Friedman, Director of OB/GYN at Elmhurst.

Dr. Jennifer Pintiliano, Associate Director of Pediatrics, emphasized the enduring impact of the Baby-Friendly philosophy: “It’s not just a designation—it’s a pledge to uphold evidence-based care that respects every family’s choices and nurtures lifelong well-being.”

Hospital officials say the journey continues.

“This redesignation is a milestone, not an endpoint,” said Dr. Marcy Stein Albert, Director of Pediatrics at Queens. “We will keep pushing boundaries to ensure no family is left behind.”

Joann Gull, Chief Nursing Officer at Elmhurst, echoed the sentiment: “We will continue centering the voices of marginalized communities, because equity is not a goal—it’s a responsibility.”