BABY FRIENDLY HOSPITALS

In 1992, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in a worldwide effort to support breastfeeding and ensure that women in maternity care have full information and support to breastfeed their infants.

Current as of August 2005

The following publications and organizations provide more information on Baby Friendly Hospitals:

Publications

1. 65 US Baby-Friendly Hospitals and Birth Centers as of July 2008 (Copyright © BFUSA) - This publication links to the 65 birth centers and hospitals that are considered Baby Friendly.

   http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/03.html

2. Info for Parents: Why Choose a Baby-Friendly Birthing Facility? (Copyright © BFUSA) - This publication gives the reasons to choose a baby-friendly birth center or hospital and outlines the ten steps to successful breastfeeding as promoted by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). It also explains why breastfeeding is important to the health of the baby and provides links for additional information.

   http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/05.html

3. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (Copyright © UNICEF) - This article explains the worldwide Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and lists the 10 steps necessary for successful breastfeeding support and promotion.

   http://www.unicef.org/programme/breastfeeding/baby.htm

Organizations

1. Baby-Friendly USA
2. La Leche League International
3. United Nations Children's Fund
4. World Health Organization

= Indicates Federal Resources