HARRISON, Arkansas, August 24, 2024 - North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly redesignation for another four years until December 2028 after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that NARMC is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated that “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children.”

NARMC joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

"We are thrilled to receive the Baby-Friendly redesignation," Lauren Loggins, BSN RN, OB Nurse Manager, of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. "This recognition highlights our dedication to supporting new mothers and their babies, and it reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team. Our goal is to create an environment where families feel supported and empowered as they begin their breastfeeding journey."

North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is one of just nine hospitals in Arkansas to be awarded Baby-Friendly designation.

For more information about North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and its services, please visit www.narmc.com or contact Lauren Loggins at 870-414-4570 or lauren.loggins@narmc.com.

About NARMC

NARMC is an innovative, non-profit healthcare system consisting of a central hospital in Harrison, Arkansas and 15 clinics serving the rural communities of North Arkansas. More than 750 NARMC employees work together to provide a comprehensive range of healthcare services. As one of the Top 100 Rural Hospitals in the nation according to the Rural Health Policy Institute, NARMC has earned numerous 5-star ratings from Healthgrades and consistently ranks high in-patient satisfaction in Press Ganey ratings. A three-time recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Quality Achievement Award, NARMC is committed to Bringing Better to You. 

About Baby-Friendly USA 

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.