10 U.S. Hospitals Added to Baby-Friendly List

During last week's World Breastfeeding Week, we learned via Women's eNews that 10 additional U.S. facilities have been added to the list of Baby-Friendly Hospitals so far this year.

To be included on the list, facilities must meet 10 criteria demonstrating a commitment to improve institutional breastfeeding policy, training and practices. The ten steps for successful breastfeeding outlined by UNICEF/WHO for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initative include helping mothers initiate breastfeeding, appropriately training all staff, avoiding non-breastmilk food unless medically indicated, allowing “rooming in,” and other practices. The steps are also included among the Ten Steps for Mother-Friendly Care outlined for the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative.

The ten new qualifying hospitals (bringing the current number up to 83) are in California, Missouri, and Texas. Visit the BFHI site for a complete list of the qualifying U.S. facilities.