Joint Township District Memorial Hospital (JTDMH) is proud to announce that its Birthing Center has achieved Platinum status for Father/Partner Engagement through the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies Program, a joint initiative of the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
With this achievement, JTDMH has successfully completed Steps 9 and 10 of the Father/Partner Engagement Designation and renewed Step 8. Platinum status represents the highest level of recognition available through the program’s Father/Partner Engagement component. JTDMH is one of only 11 hospitals in Ohio to achieve this distinction.
Supporting Breastfeeding Families
The Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies Program is a voluntary designation program that recognizes Ohio maternity centers for implementing practices that promote, protect and support breastfeeding. The program is based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, as defined by the World Health Organization and Baby-Friendly USA.
In 2022, Ohio First Steps partnered with the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood to begin recognizing hospitals for their efforts to support family breastfeeding goals by actively engaging fathers and partners in the breastfeeding journey.
“We are incredibly proud of our physicians, nurses, certified nurse-midwives, and lactation consultants for their dedication to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to breastfeeding families,” said Amy Becker, Birthing Center Nurse Manager at JTDMH. “Their collaborative approach ensures that parents receive the education, encouragement, and support they need to meet their infant feeding goals.
“Just as importantly, our team recognizes the vital role that fathers, partners, and other support persons play in a family’s breastfeeding journey. By engaging the entire family, we help create a strong foundation for breastfeeding success, healthy infant development, and positive family experiences.”
Recognizing Excellence in Maternity Care
The Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies Program awards a star for every two steps achieved within the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, allowing hospitals to earn up to five stars. The initiative encourages maternity centers to implement evidence-based practices one step at a time, giving facilities the flexibility to select which steps they adopt as they work to strengthen breastfeeding support.
JTDMH’s Platinum Father/Partner Engagement designation is valid for three years, recognizing the hospital’s continued commitment to engaging families and supporting positive breastfeeding experiences.
This achievement highlights the dedication of the JTDMH Birthing Center team to providing family-centered maternity care and helping parents feel informed, supported and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey.
