Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital becomes first baby-friendly designated hospital in New Brunswick

(WATERVILLE) – Through a steadfast commitment to providing the highest quality care for parents and newborns, Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) is the first New Brunswick hospital to earn the prestigious Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation.

The BFI designation, established by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, promotes optimal care for parents and babies through the adoption of best practices like breastfeeding education and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth.

“We know that breastfeeding reduces the risk of child health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma, which are common in our region, and reduces other early childhood infections,” said Horizon BFI Coordinator Christina Gallant. “We also know that the evidence-based practices of the Baby-Friendly Initiative have a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes and improve the quality of care given to all families and babies, regardless of feeding method. This designation is about our continued commitment to giving New Brunswickers the healthiest start in life.”

Only 16 facilities across Canada currently hold the BFI designation, and this recognition highlights URVH’s commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

“Horizon recognizes the value of BFI standards in driving quality care and improving patient experiences across our facilities,” said Christa Wheeler-Thorne, Clinical Executive Director for Horizon’s Women and Children’s Health Program. “Through the dedication of an exceptional team, Upper River Valley has set a new standard for perinatal care in the province. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue working toward BFI designation across all Horizon sites.”

“This important milestone for Horizon Health Network speaks to the dedication of frontline teams and community partners who have worked tirelessly to improve support for parents and infants,” said John Dornan, Minister of Health. “It’s encouraging to see this kind of leadership in maternal and newborn care, and I look forward to seeing even more progress provincewide.”

URVH underwent a rigorous assessment by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC), the national designation body in Canada. This milestone is the result of decades of work from partners across the province and highlights Horizon’s long-standing commitment to maternal and child health and leadership in advancing patient care across the province.

“The high scores achieved with every step of the designation process directly reflect the vital support and information provided to families prenatally,” said Kathy Venter, a BCC BFI Assessor. “This hospital is a model of best care.”

Horizon’s URVH supports around 200 deliveries annually, with many more families receiving prenatal or postnatal care there.

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