Definition of Baby Friendly Hospitals

To encourage breastfeeding UNICEF have set up the ‘Baby Friendly Initiative’. This is based on the following ten steps to successful breastfeeding.

1	Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all healthcare staff.
2	Train all healthcare staff in the skills necessary to implement the breastfeeding policy.
3	Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4	Help mothers initiate breastfeeding soon after birth.
5	Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if they are separated from their babies.
6	Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated.
7	Practice rooming-in, allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
8	Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9	Give no artificial teats or dummies to breastfeeding infants.
10	Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

Full Accreditation of a maternity service as Baby Friendly requires full implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, assessed by a Baby Friendly Initiative assessment team using standard criteria.
The Certificate of Commitment recognises that a Trust is working to bring its practices into line with the Ten Steps and that it is working towards assessment and full accreditation.

The above information is taken from their website, click on their logo to visit their website and see a more detailed explanation.