CGBI: Breastfeeding Exclusive June 2018- EMPower Updates

EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative Update

We are continuing to keep in touch with hospitals participating in the EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative, even though our designated time for providing in-depth technical assistance has recently come to a close. We are confident that facilities have extensive resources and the self-efficacy to continue implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and moving along their journey on the Baby Friendly 4-D Pathway. Our breastfeeding and quality improvement coaches have created very close and meaningful relationships with the hardworking staff at each of these hospitals. We miss the daily interactions already.

We are excited to share news that to date, 52 EMPower facilities have received official Baby-Friendly® designation! Congratulations on a job well done! There are an additional 21 hospital teams who are either awaiting their scheduled final assessment visit from Baby-Friendly USA, or have had their final site visit and are awaiting results. Please join us in celebrating this progress.

EMPower Training Initiative Update

The application period for the new EMPower Training Initiative has now closed. Thank you to our supporters who were able to spread the word about our recruitment. The EMPower Team is the process of officially enrolling the accepted hospital teams. The list of enrolled hospitals will be announced publicly on the EMPower website very soon.

The initiative is aimed at increasing the safe implementation of several key front-line clinical practices included in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The work plan has been finalized and the project will continue through August 31, 2019. We look forward to meeting our hospital teams and getting started on the great work that lies ahead!