Good Samaritan & St. Francis Recognized by the State for Breastfeeding Support

Kearney & Grand Island-CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis were recognized yesterday as LEARN (Lactation Education Across Rural Nebraska) Breastfeeding Hospital Champions by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Immediate postpartum care, ample rooming-in opportunities, comprehensive breastfeeding education, in addition to continued support after discharge at both facilities contributed to the honor.

“We are dedicated to providing our new families with the best start possible. This designation reflects the care, education and coordinated support, even after our families return home, that we’ve always provided,” said Deanne Birkestrand, RN, Lactation Educator at Good Samaritan.

The LEARN Breastfeeding Hospital Champion campaign was designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and support in hospitals. The many benefits of breastfeeding for infants, children, and mothers is a key strategy to improve public health. 

“Breastfeeding can seem overwhelming for first-time Moms. We are there every step of the way to ensure the journey is everything they could wish for,” said Lactation Nurse Alycia Packer, RN at St. Francis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control Breastfeeding Report Card, only 32.6% of Nebraska babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Learn more about the LEARN Breastfeeding Hospital Champion campaign at https://dhhs.ne.gov/LEARN