What is the Baby-Friendly Initiative?
Trillium Health Partners supports the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI). BFI helps families to make an informed decision about feeding their babies while protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. The Current Recommendations from World Health Organization & Canadian Pediatric Society support
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life
- Introduction of solids at six months
- Continued breastfeeding until 2 years of age or longer
All our nurses are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and will support you with your chosen feeding method. A Lactation Consultant is also available. We provide a breastfeeding class daily for you to attend prior to discharge. We also provide individual support for those families who have made an informed decision to give their baby formula.
BFI also supports Skin to Skin care which has many benefits & helps all babies adjust to the outside world. This practice supports breastfeeding but is beneficial no matter which feeding method you choose. Babies born at Trillium Health Partners are placed Skin to Skin as soon as they are born and stable. Babies are placed on Moms (or partners) bare chest with a diaper and hat on and covered with a blanket.
Skin to skin helps
- baby adjust to new environment
- prevent baby from having low blood sugar
- baby’s breathing
- baby stay warm
- calm your baby
- you bond with your baby
We have created our Baby-Friendly Pledge to show our families our support of the Baby-Friendly Initiative and their right to an informed infant feeding choice.
While in hospital you may have support persons stay with you to help you care for yourself and your baby. Since your hospital stay is short, you may wish to have visitors once you are at home but there are also visiting hours available. Breastfeeding is welcomed in all areas of the hospital.
