Health Sciences Centre Achieves National Baby-Friendly Initiative Designation

The Health Sciences Centre, including the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, received the Baby-Friendly Initiative designation from the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.

In March, an BFI assessor visited the Health Sciences Centre to evaluate BFI standards, resulting in this achievement.

NL Health Services is incorporating Baby-Friendly practices for all families in line with their individual goals and medical conditions by:

• Welcoming and supporting all families.

• Helping individuals make an informed decision about feeding their baby.

• Encouraging skin-to-skin, beginning right after birth.

• Prioritizing family togetherness and keeping healthy newborns with parents throughout the hospital stay.

• Delivering up-to-date breastfeeding education to staff.

• Working with community groups to provide consistent and supportive care.

• Welcoming individuals to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

• Following the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.