Barnes-Jewish part of national effort to improve breast-feeding rates

As part of a national effort to improve breast-feeding rates, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is making major changes in how mothers and babies are cared for, including no longer accepting free formula and keeping babies out of the nursery and in mothers' rooms.

Hospitals were chosen in areas where breast-feeding rates are low. In Missouri last year, 64 percent of new moms attempted to breast-feed, compared to 75 percent nationwide. At Barnes, the rate is 49 percent.

The hospital stay is critical in learning to breast-feed, yet federal studies show that hospital practices that interfere with breast-feeding success are common. Only 143 hospitals and birth centers across the U.S. have adopted the 10 steps, earning the designation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital. Those hospitals report higher breast-feeding rates and fewer economic and racial disparities among nursing mothers.

Other hospitals in Missouri include the University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital in Columbia and Truman Medical Center in downtown Kansas City.

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