>   I am quite puzzled by how
>fringe BFI seems to be in the USA -- judging from the discussion on Lactnet.
>Here in the UK it has become quite a big force in hospitals


Magda is correct....hospitals here are very much outside the
mainstream if they are not 'working towards' Baby Friendly. It is a
badge of honour among hospitals to have the status, and yes, they
have to re-register by being reassessed. I am very optimistic about
the change this is making to the culture.

I suspect one difference (between the UK and the US) with regard to
the ease of implementation of Baby Friendly  is the fact that we have
not had free samples of formula or any paid-for or gifted promotion
of formula in hospitals for over a generation. So it is not a big
step to comply with this aspect of Baby Friendly.

Hospitals have received gifts in equipment from manufacturers in the
recent past, but this is heavily criticised.

I know (from reading Lactnet) that many of you work in places where
freebies are expected by mothers and by professionals, so this step
would be very hard for you to follow : (

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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