CHRISTUS Health celebrates Breastfeeding Awareness Month, highlights support for mothers, families and Associates

As the nation recognizes National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, CHRISTUS Health is highlighting the resources, education and workplace support available to new and expecting mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey while also celebrating recognition for supporting breastfeeding Associates.

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills recently earned Silver Level designation as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. The designation recognizes organizations that provide workplace support and accommodations for employees who choose to breastfeed or express milk after returning to work.

"Supporting mothers is an important part of delivering compassionate, high-quality care and fostering a workplace culture where Associates feel valued," said Samantha Collinson, director of Women's Health at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills. "This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing an integrated, accessible and personal experience for our Associates, patients and their families."

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month raises awareness about the health benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of support systems that help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 86% of U.S. infants are breastfed at some point, yet only about 63% are still breastfeeding at 6 months. Many mothers stop sooner than planned because of challenges such as lactation difficulties, latching concerns and questions about infant nutrition.

"Every mother and baby have unique needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding," said Rachel Juneau, registered nurse and lactation consultant at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System. "Our goal is to provide compassionate guidance, education and encouragement so mothers feel supported and confident in whatever feeding journey is right for their family."

In Louisiana, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini also serves as a depot site for the Mothers' Milk Bank of Louisiana, the state's first and only nonprofit human milk bank accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Through the partnership, the hospital helps provide safe, pasteurized donor human milk to fragile and premature infants across the state.

"Breastfeeding support is a natural extension of our mission to care for the whole person and strengthen the health of our communities," Collinson said. "Whether we are caring for mothers welcoming a new baby, supporting Associates in the workplace or expanding services to meet community needs, our goal is to provide reliable, compassionate care that puts people first."