The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) Recognition Program is a structured, mentored three-year implementation pathway designed to help organizations build internal capacity, reduce risk, and achieve sustained quality improvement. Serving as a step-by-step roadmap to BFI implementation, the program supports facilities in progressing toward BFI designation through ongoing mentorship, practical guidance, and measurable milestones.
Recognizing that every organization begins from a different starting point, facilities progress through the program at a pace that reflects their unique context, including existing practices, staffing stability, leadership engagement, and data infrastructure.
Explore the pathway below for an overview of the Recognition Program or refer to the full Baby-Friendly Initiative Process & Costs for Canadian Hospitals, Birthing Centres, and Community Health Services document for detailed requirements, timelines, and fees (prices effective January 2027).
Questions? Contact the BFI Assessment Committee.
Onboarding & Baseline Assessment
- Leadership commitment & 3-year agreement (MOU)
- Establish BFI team and connect with BCC BFI Mentor
- Access BCC’s data platform, tools & guidelines
- Complete baseline assessment (Tracking Tool)
- Develop BFI Workplan
Continuous Quality Improvement
- Test changes using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles
- Collect and monitor data (surveys, feeding statistics)
- Hold regular team meetings
- Participate in BFI Roundtables
- Ongoing Mentor support
Data Collection & Evaluation
- Collect final data (surveys, feeding statistics)
- Submit data and required documents
- Undergo Mentor-led evaluation
- Outcome: Achieve Recognition Program status (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum)
1-yr Post-Status Achievement
- Submit BFI Annual Report
2-yrs Post-Status Achievement: Decision Point
- Proceed with External Assessment
- Re-Enter Recognition Program
- Pause or discontinue BFI Implementation
3-Year Mentored Quality Improvement Journey, includes ongoing supports:
- Dedicated BCC BFI Mentor
- BCC’s data platform, tools & eLearning
- National peer collaboration