Opelousas General Health System provides comprehensive healthcare services
throughout every stage of a woman’s life. These medical providers
have extensive experience with health issues that frequently affect women.
Whether you need gynecology services or help planning for pregnancy, you
can find the care you need close to home at OGHS.
Comprehensive women’s imaging services are available through the
Dr. Gerald E. Posner Center for Women’s Health. This state-of-the-art
facility is equipped with the latest technology for breast cancer screening,
ultrasound, bone density scanning, and more.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
The Baby-Friendly® Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program sponsored
by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's
Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers
that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding.
The BFHI assists hospitals in giving mothers the information, confidence,
and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding
their babies or feeding formula safely, and gives special recognition
to hospitals that have done so. Opelousas General Health System is the
first hospital in Acadiana to earn this designation and third in the state
of Louisiana.
The Baby-Friendly Designation involves the following:
Infant Feeding Policy - We have an infant feeding policy that all staff in Maternal/Child Services
follows. Our pledge is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and
respect the decision of each mother.
Staff Education - Our staff caring for you before, during and after birth of your baby
has special education in breastfeeding. This education is based on the
latest research and experience
Talk About Breastfeeding – We inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management
of breastfeeding so that you can make a good decision for you and your baby.
Start Breastfeeding – We help each mother get breastfeeding off to a good start by skin-to-skin
contact between mother and baby right after birth. Skin-to-skin contact
helps mothers and babies start breastfeeding.
Learn to Breastfeed – We help each mother get breastfeeding off to a good start by skin-to-skin
contact between mother and baby right after birth. Skin-to-skin contact
helps mothers and babies start breastfeeding.
Feed Breastmilk – Unless medically indicated, we do not supply any food or drink for infants.
Your baby needs only your breastmilk.
Room In With Your Baby - To help you care for your baby, we encourage you to keep your baby with
you at all times (day and night).
Feed on Demand – Having your baby with you at all times helps you learn baby's hunger signs
or "feeding cues". Breastfeeding your baby for as long and as
often as your baby needs, helps you produce a good milk supply and gives
your baby comfort.
Give No Pacifiers - Bottles with Nipples Pacifiers and bottles with Nipples are not used in
the early weeks of breastfeeding because they may cause problems with
breastfeeding and your milk supply.
Community Support – Before you leave the hospital, we will make sure you know about and have
the phone numbers for any breastfeeding support programs and groups -
including our own lactation department.