Montefiore Medical Center now offers baby friendly designation courses, a 10-step program designed to help new moms successfully breastfeed.

The program educates mothers about the benefits of breast feeding vs. using formula.

The designation is part of the Baby Friendly USA program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children Fund.

Hospital staff says if a mother does not want to breastfeed their newborn that they will help moms choose formula to use instead and educate them about best practices.

Experts say the program brings a community approach to childbirth and gives women a chance to learn about nutrition, preparing for labor and for bonding.

The baby friendly hospital initiative was launched in 1991.