Kettering Medical Center is taking steps to promote its support of successful breastfeeding. The Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies is a voluntary breastfeeding designation program through the Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio Department of Health that recognizes maternity centers in Ohio for taking steps to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in their organization.

A star is awarded for every two steps achieved in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, as defined by the World Health Organization and Baby-Friendly USA. Kettering Medical Center has been awarded four out of five stars.

“Through the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies initiative, we are having thoughtful conversations about the benefits of breastfeeding in order to educate patients and the community,” says Miriam Cartmell, executive director of the Women's & Children's Service Line for Kettering Health Network. “The support a new mother receives from hospital caregivers can impact her decision to breastfeed. Increasing the number of breastfed newborns can lead to a decrease in the likelihood for future health conditions for the child such as asthma, diabetes and obesity.”