Methodist Women's Hospital and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Recognized as LEARN Breastfeeding Hospital Champions

Methodist Women's Hospital and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital have been recognized as LEARN (Lactation Education Across Rural Nebraska) Breastfeeding Hospital Champions by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Although Jennie Edmundson Hospital is located in Iowa, it’s the birthplace for many Nebraska babies, which makes it eligible for LEARN recognition.

The LEARN Breastfeeding Hospital Champion Campaign is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mPINC (Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care) Survey and is designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and support in Nebraska hospitals.

Thanks to a collaborative effort in providing immediate postpartum care, ample rooming-in opportunities, comprehensive feeding education, continued support after Baby arrives home and more, Women’s Hospital is the 11th hospital to earn the recognition, and Jennie Edmundson Hospital is the 12th. Methodist Fremont Health received the recognition in March 2023 and was fourth in the state to earn it.

“Being named a LEARN Breastfeeding Hospital Champion is another testament to the unmatched level of care that Methodist Women’s Hospital provides moms and babies,” said Terri Perry, the mother baby service leader for Methodist Women’s Hospital. “We are dedicated to fostering a safe, comfortable and supportive lactation environment in an effort to help families achieve breastfeeding success.”

“Especially over the course of the past few years, Jennie Edmundson has made concerted efforts to provide families the safest, most comfortable birth and breastfeeding experiences possible,” said Rachel Sankey, the women and newborns service leader for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. “We are dedicated to the expert, compassionate care of moms and babies, and we believe that includes comprehensive lactation support long after their hospital stay.”

Women’s Hospital and Jennie Edmundson Hospital, IBCLC® (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners®) Care Award recipients, are home to experienced lactation consultants and serve as a milk depot locations for approved breastmilk donors. The hospitals are part of a larger network of lactation support and resources, which include classes, support groups, evaluations, milk pump and storage training, guidance on feeding multiples or special needs babies, outpatient appointments for a successful breastfeeding journey. Women's Hospital is also home to the Welcome Baby boutique that carries the necessary tools for a successful breastfeeding journey.