Is Your Hospital Baby-Friendly?

I would like to think that all U.S. hospitals would want to be Baby-Friendly, but I guess that is like saying I would like to think that it is important to U.S. hospitals to strive to be woman-friendly (sigh).

I think most of you know about the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, if not, check out their website as you can help to educate the public of more baby-friendly options in your area.

While you are there, check out their list of (now-83) U.S. hospitals that are certified by BFHI!

So, what makes a hospital Baby-Friendly?

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 lactation. The BFHI assists hospitals in giving breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so.

If you search the list of hospitals and fail to see a hospital that you believe should be listed, check out their link for hospitals and facilities to find out how you might be able to encourage your area-hospital to apply. It would be phenomenal to have at least 1 hospital in every state listed, giving families more options for early- and healthy- starts.

Finally, before you leave their site, consider taking their Mom Survey, if you birthed in a hospital, and drop it off to them. I am highly considering printing these and keeping them in my doula bag for when I attend births or teach classes... I can give one to each new mom/pregnant mom to not only spread the word to families regarding their right to a better standard of care, but also to send the message to local hospitals that families are becoming more conscious of those choices and want to see change.