Hospitals, birthing centres, and community health services with Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation or BFI Recognition Program status have been independently assessed by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.
This means they meet high, evidence-based standards to support you and your baby with infant feeding.
At a BFI designated facility, you can expect:
- Your feeding goals will be explored, and your choices will be respected.
- Feeding support will be individualized and be available as you need it.
- Families will be kept together and separation will be minimized.
- Immediate skin-to-skin care is the norm following birth for at least an hour or until the end of the first feed.
- Staff will have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support infant feeding.
- Assistance with breastfeeding that offers guidance to meet your current needs and helps you plan for the future.
- Facility breastfeeding rates meet criteria for BFI designation.
- An attitude of continuous improvement that uses best evidence to ensure feeding support reaches all families.
What to Expect at a BFI Facility EN.pdf
To learn more about the Baby-Friendly Initiative, visit our Importance of BFI Designation page.
To find a BFI facility near you, click HERE to explore our interactive map.