Research has shown that being a "Baby-Friendly" hospital or birthing center enhances the breastfeeding experience, from initiation to duration. What does it take for a facility to obtain this designation? It's not easy. Hospitals and birthing centers can't just refer to themselves as "Baby-Friendly" without going through an extensive application process, though there are many "unofficial" facilities that still have adopted the concepts.
Here, information on how a hospital or birthing center representative can go about seeking "Baby Friendly" designation.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: The entire process can take over a year
Here's How:
- Call Baby Friendly USA (508-888-8092), or e-mail the organization (info@babyfriendlyusa.org) for an application.
- Form a multi-disciplinary committee to review the Self-Appraisal Tool.
- Using the Self-Appraisal Tool, identify areas where change is needed.
- Create a plan to implement needed changes.
- Submit an application. This includes: a letter of intent, the annual fee, and the completed Self-Appraisal Tool. (Technical support is available from Baby Friendly USA staff in case the applicant runs into any issues during the application process.)
- A Certificate of Intent, which signifies the commitment to work at becoming "Baby Friendly" will be awarded upon completion of the application process. The facility must pay an annual fee (anywhere between $550 to 900, based on the number of annual births) and then prepare for an assessment visit.
- During the assessment visit, two assessors visit the facility. The fees associated with this visit are costly -- approximately $3,000 plus travel costs, lodging and per diem for each assessor. Facilities wishing to receive the "Baby Friendly" designation don't take the process lightly! The assessors then report to the External Review Board and designation is decided.
