Denise asks how to approach hospital administration about the BFHI.

Here are four points that have been helpful to other US facilities in
translating the BFHI into language that hospital administrators speak:
1) The BFHI is a voluntary quality improvement process.  This initiative
puts breastfeeding into quality improvement context.
2) The BFHI supports orientation to community benefits.  The focus of the
BFHI extends outward from the hospital to integrate preconceptual,
prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum education and care with community
based support.
3) The BFHI reflects other women’s health issues by providing proactive
integrated care for breastfeeding women. As more facilities recognize women
as the gateway to health care decisions and choices for the whole family,
interest has increased in women's health oriented programs.  Proactively
meeting women's needs during the vulnerable days surrounding childbirth can
form a lasting positive impression of the health care system.
4) The BFHI enhances marketing programs.  Receipt of this international
award is an achievement to crow about!  It indicates that the hospital has
voluntarily sought to provide cutting edge services for families.

For more information about the BFHI in the United States, please contact
mailto:[log in to unmask]


Cindy Turner-Maffei, MA, IBCLC; National Coordinator, Baby-Friendly USA
8 Jan Sebastian Way #22 * Sandwich, MA  02563, USA
ph (508) 888-8092 * fax (508) 888-8050
http://www.aboutus.com/a100/bfusa/

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