Baby Friendly Initiative

The Baby-Friendly Initiative is a global campaign of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It was developed to help hospitals and community agencies protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The Baby-Friendly Initiative outlines best-practices for those working with pregnant and/or parenting families. Baby-Friendly organizations support all families with important infant feeding and infant care practices. Baby-Friendly organizations benefit babies, families, society and the environment.

In Canada, the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada  is responsible for designating hospitals and community health care agencies.

South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre supports the World Health Organization’s Baby-Friendly Initiative. South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre is committed to achieving BFI designation, by:

• Helping parents make informed decisions about feeding their baby
• Supporting all families regardless of their feeding method
• Recommending breast milk as the only food for babies until they are six months old
• Recommending breast milk be included in a child’s diet up to two years and beyond
• Protecting women’s rights to breastfeed anytime, anywhere
• Working with our community to protect, promote and support breastfeeding

For additional information on the Initiative or the feeding or care of your baby, call: (613) 737-5115 and ask to be connected with our lactation consultant.