The Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC) certifies Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) Mentors (referred to as “Mentors”) to support the implementation and assessment of the BFI across Canada.
Mentors support facilities to advance quality improvement through the BFI by guiding implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in Canada. They provide expertise on BFI Standards and work collaboratively with facilities to support implementation, continuous improvement, and participation in the BFI Recognition Program and External Assessments.
Certified Mentors are engaged by the BCC as paid contractors. Activities may include mentoring facilities, supporting the Recognition Program, and participating in External Assessments.
Individuals completing the training and competency process as BFI Mentor Candidates (referred to as “Candidates”) participate on a volunteer basis and are not paid during this stage.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Mentor role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
General Requirements
Applicants must:
- Maintain membership with the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Commit to participating in BFI Mentor activities when opportunities arise
While opportunities vary from year to year, Mentors are generally expected to participate in at least one or two activities annually.
Mentor Activities
Mentor activities may include:
Recognition Program activities:
- Facilitating mentorship sessions with facilities
- Document and data review
- Report writing
External Assessment activities:
- Facilitating orientation sessions
- Data compilation and analysis
- Report writing
- Site Visits (in-person or virtual visits to observe the facility environment)
Other BFI initiatives:
- BFI Roundtable organization and facilitation
- Mentorship sessions with BFI-designated facilities
Additional Requirements
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and report-writing skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to use electronic devices and Microsoft products
- Agreement to sign confidentiality forms when working with facilities during Recognition Programs or External Assessments
Knowledge and Experience
Candidates should demonstrate, or be willing and able to develop:
- Breastfeeding knowledge
- Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) knowledge
- Quality Improvement (QI) methodology knowledge
- Knowledge of and compliance with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, and relevant WHA resolutions (The Code)
- Experience in hospital/birthing centre and/or community health facilities
- Willingness to collaborate with the BCC Provincial/Territorial BFI Implementation Committee and relevant provincial or territorial BFI committees to promote BFI and build capacity
Confidentiality
Mentors must maintain strict confidentiality when working with facilities. This includes protecting:
- BCC confidential materials (e.g., Recognition Program tools and External Assessment interview guides)
- Facility or staff information obtained during mentorship or assessments
- Client/patient identifiers
- Facility privacy policies and applicable privacy legislation
Copying or photographing confidential documents (electronic or printed) is prohibited. Confidentiality agreements are signed by all Mentors and kept on file by the BCC.