Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)

The BFHI is an international accreditation process monitored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF for all maternity facilities to assist mothers and their well newborn babies to be together, and be supported to initiate and establish exclusive breastfeeding. At the same time, Baby Friendly facilities ensure that women who choose not to breastfeed are supported in their decision and provided with unbiased information and advice.

The BFHI is supported by the NZ Ministry of Health and the Auckland District Health Board and follows the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The BFHI provides a framework for staff to follow. When the framework is followed the result is that women are confident breast feeders, information is consistent, standards are raised and health outcomes are improved for mother’s and babies.

National Women’s became a Baby Friendly Hospital in March 2008.

Staff at National women's recieve the the BFHI certificate on the 10th 0f March 2008. It was presented by Mrs Saadeh a represenative from the WHO and Julie Sufkins, Executive officer of the NZ Breastfeeding Authority.

The Ten Steps and other documents can be viewed on the New Zealand Breastfeeding Authority Website. (link to http://www.babyfriendly.org.nz/page.php?p=24&fp=8)

National Women's Breastfeeding policy

	English
	Tongan
	Hindi
	Maori
	Samoan

Breastfeeding Support

Support and help with breastfeeding is available from:

	midwives
	Lead Maternity Carer (LMC)
	La Leache League: www.lalecheleague.org.nz
	Plunket : www.plunket.org.nz/
	all Well Child providers: www.wellchild.org.nz/
	If you are having difficulty breastfeeding while in the ward at National Women’s, you can be referred to a specialist lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding Classes

Pregnancy, Birthing and Parenting Education and Preparation for Breastfeeding Classes are held by Birthcare: www.birthcare.co.nz/classes.htm

Written information to help women Breastfeed

	National Womens Breast feeding information booklet
	Ministry of health booklet "Breastfeeding you can do It"

	Associated Websites
	www.babyfriendly.org.nz The New Zealand Breastfeeding Authority Website
	www.kidshealth.org.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/contentpage/pi_id/138#top kidshealth is a child and youth health information website to support parents and health professionals. The site is a joint initiative between the Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand and proudly sponsored by ASB.
	www.nzcom.org.nz The NZ College of Midwives (NZCOM) is the professional organisation and recognised “voice” for midwives in NZ.
	www.womens-health.org.nz Women's Health Action is a charitable trust with the aims of providing women with high quality information and education services to enable them to maintain their health and make informed choices about their health care.
	www.moh.govt.nz The Ministry of Health website
	www.ibfan.org/english/resource/who/fullcode.html The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
	www.ers.govt.nz/publications/pdfs/breastfeeding.pdf The Department of Labour publication “Breastfeeding in the Workplace.
	www.wellstart.org/ The Wellstart International website

The WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

Summary of Main Points

	No advertising of breast-milk substitutes in the health care system or to the public.
	No free samples to be given to mothers or pregnant women.
	No free or subsidised supplies to hospitals.
	No contact between company marketing personnel and mothers.
	Materials for mothers should be non-promotional and should carry clear and full information and warnings.
	Companies should not give gifts to health workers.
	No free samples to health workers, except for professional evaluation or research at the institutional level.
	Materials for health workers should contain only scientific and factual information.
	No pictures of babies or other idealising images on infant formula labels.
	The labels of other products must provide the information needed for appropriate use, so as not to discourage breastfeeding.