Cape Cod Hospital Redesignated as Baby-Friendly Facility

(Hyannis, July 10, 2026) – The Family Birthplace at Cape Cod Hospital is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly redesignation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States. Cape Cod Hospital is one of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world.

Originally designated in 2022, this redesignation demonstrates that Cape Cod Hospital continues to adhere to the highest standards of care for mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

Baby-Friendly facilities are centers of support in which evidenced-based care is provided, education is free from commercial interest, all infant feeding options are possible and individual preferences are respected. In cases where mothers have a medical indication or have made an informed decision to use formula, education on the safe preparation and feeding of formula is provided, and best practices including mother-infant skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in are followed.

This redesignation is particularly noteworthy as Cape Cod Hospital received redesignation without the need for a corrective action plan – a feat achieved by less than 20% of all designated facilities.

This certification reflects Cape Cod Hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

“This designation is the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination across our organization, all with a goal of helping families get off to a good start,” said Kerry Thompson, Nursing Manager, Women’s & Children’s Services. “We are proud to offer an environment that supports infant feeding best practices and are committed to give moms who choose to breastfeed the best chance for success.”

Learn more about this initiative at www.capecodhealth.org/baby-friendly.

About Cape Cod Healthcare

Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 600 providers, over 5,000 employees and over 250 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare is comprised of two acute care hospitals, a Level III trauma center, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), six urgent care centers, a primary and specialty care network, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health services and programs. For more information, visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website at www.capecodhealth.org.

About Baby-Friendly USA

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the U.S. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.