BRIDGTON – Crystal Drew, RN, clinical coordinator of the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center at Bridgton Hospital, has announced that Bridgton Hospital has received a certificate of intent to become designated as a “baby friendly hospital.”

To accomplish the designation, they have to initiate the “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” which ensures that hospital routines, procedures and policies remain supportive of the successful initiation and establishment of breastfeeding.

Drew said, “The intent is for mothers to receive access to skilled support to help them initiate and sustain appropriate feeding practices and to prevent difficulties and overcome them when they occur.”

The special delivery nursing staff has two certified lactation professionals. Drew is an international board certified lactation consultant and Laurie Green, RN, is a certified lactation counselor. The hospital also offers Mom’s Milk, a breastfeeding support group led by the certified lactation professionals.