Baby Friendly Initiative
Breastfeeding ChallengeThe Baby-Friendly™ Initiative (BFI) is an fully accredited international program launched by the World Health Organization and UNICEF that aims to give every baby the best start in life. This prestigious designation is a globally recognized quality standard that acknowledges facilities for offering an optimal level of care for mothers and infants.
Niagara Region Public Health in partnership with the Niagara Health System are working towards achieving a Baby-Friendly™ designation.
The Baby Friendly™ Initiative is an evidence based program designed to increase breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity rates. The BFI creates an environment in which all mothers are better able to provide optimum infant nutrition at minimum cost. The BFI promotes the implementation of best practice and supports informed decision making. The Baby Friendly Initiative is inclusive of all babies regardless of how they are fed.
Our Vision
Creating breastfeeding as the cultural norm for infant feeding in Niagara.
Our Mission
Protect, promote, and support breastfeeding by facilitating the implementation of the Niagara Baby-Friendly™ Initiative.
The Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC):
The BCC is the national authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Initiative. Health care organizations must meet set requirements outlined within the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the Seven Point Plan for the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding. For more information www.breastfeedingcanada.ca