HIGHLAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL GULFPORT

We’re celebrating two CHAMPions this week, Highland Community Hospital and Memorial Hospital Gulfport, for earning Baby-Friendly re-designation!

Located in Picayune, Mississippi, Highland Community Hospital joined CHAMPS in 2017 and earned its Baby-Friendly designation in 2019. After a rigorous review by Baby-Friendly USA, Highland Community Hospital was re-designated in January 2026. This achievement highlights the hospital’s ongoing dedication to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and excellent care for birthing families. With lactation counselors and consultants available during hospitalization and after discharge, Highland Community Hospital continues to provide evidence-based, family-centered care.

Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, Memorial Hospital Gulfport joined CHAMPS in June 2015 and earned Baby-Friendly designation in July 2020. The hospital was re-designated in 2025, marking another milestone in its dedication to excellence in maternity care. Memorial Hospital Gulfport remains committed to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding and fostering mother-baby bonding through evidence-based practices.

“Our Baby-Friendly re-designation is a powerful affirmation of our team’s commitment to giving every family the healthiest possible start. This work matters deeply to our hospital because it reflects our belief that evidence‑based, family‑centered care creates lifelong impact for parents and newborns,” shares Tiffany Hills, Lactation Consultant at Memorial. “Maintaining Baby-Friendly standards requires dedication, collaboration, and compassion from every discipline, and this recognition honors the daily efforts of our staff to support safe birth practices, informed feeding choices, and strong parent–infant bonding. We are proud to continue fostering an environment where families feel empowered, supported, and welcomed from the very first moments of life.”

Congratulations to Highland Community Hospital and Memorial Hospital Gulfport! We are honored to partner with your teams as you lead the way in providing high-quality, family-centered care for breastfeeding families across Mississippi.