Information for Doctors: Baby Friendly Initiative
- The Baby-Friendly™ Initiative ensures health care providers have the knowledge and skills necessary to support breastfeeding mothers
- Health care facilities who receive Baby-Friendly™ Designation have increased breastfeeding rates in their communities
- Niagara region Lactation Consultants from NHS and NRPH meet bi-monthly to ensure consistent messaging, resources and supports are given to breastfeeding mothers.
Supporting a Global Strategy for the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding
In collaboration with the Niagara Health System and Baby-Friendly™ Initiative champions, Dr. Bhetasi and Dr. Shakhatreh, Niagara Region Public Health are implementing breastfeeding best practice standards outlined by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund, Baby-Friendly™ Initiative global campaign.
The Baby-Friendly™ Initiative is an inclusive, evidence-based and outcomes-focused strategy designed to encourage and empower mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Although aimed to improve breastfeeding rates, the Baby-Friendly™ Initiative supports informed decision making and is inclusive of all mothers regardless of their infant feeding decision.
Few health practices equal the capacity of breastfeeding toward positively impacting positive health outcomes. Research continues to support the advantages of breastfeeding including; enhanced cognitive development, enhanced mother infant relationships, healthy child development, increased immunity, reduced childhood obesity and decreased disease processes (CPS, 2006).
If you would like more information or resources on the Niagara Baby-Friendly™ Initiative please call the Parent Talk Information Line at 905-688-8248 ext. 7555 or 1-888-505-6074 or visit the general Baby-Friendly™ Initiative page.