Dear readers of Lactnet
I thought you would be interested in some details of BFHI outside the USA.  Australia has been slow off the mark. 
The global tally of 'Baby Friendly' hospitals in early 1997 was:
* 290 in 12 countries in 1992
* 790 more in 1993
* 2,483 more in 1994
* 4,282 at the end of 1995
* 7,786 by the end of June 1996
* more than 10,000 at the last count.
* Australia has two; Mitcham Private, and the Royal Women's in Carlton, Victoria.
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Australia is now preparing to assess approximately ten hospitals in the near future.  The National Advisory Council has completed a thorough review of the process, and teams of accredited assessors are being organised to visit the hospitals requesting external assessment.
For information contact the BFHI National Project Officer, Suite 23, 431 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Vic 3004  Tel: +61 7 3216 0717, Fax: +61 7 3252 2931.
Information about progress the Initiative in each State can be obtained by contacting the branch of the Australian College of Midwives.

Joy Johnston, Midwife IBCLC
Melbourne, Australia