BFHI

Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding in Australia

The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) is an international project that aims to give every baby the best start in life by creating a health care environment where breastfeeding is the norm and practices known to promote the health and well-being of all babies and their mothers are followed.

The BFHI Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are the global standard by which health services are assessed and accredited. A 'Baby Friendly' health service is one where mothers' informed choice of feeding is supported, respected and encouraged.

The recent name change from Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative to Baby Friendly Health Initiative was to more accurately describe the work the initiative is now doing. With the exciting developments in the Community Baby Friendly part of the initiative it was felt that this name change was a very appropriate and positive move.

In Australia, the Australian College of Midwives administers the Baby Friendly Health Initiative.