Region of Waterloo Public Health achieves Baby-Friendly Initiative accreditation
Region of Waterloo Public Health is pleased to announce that as of March 2016, it has received its Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation. This designation means that Public Health has policies, guidelines, partnerships, and staff training in place to help Waterloo Region families make informed decisions about feeding their infant and about breastfeeding. The Baby-Friendly Initiative supports all families regardless of their infant feeding decision.
“I am happy to announce that The Breastfeeding Committee for Canada has notified us that we have successfully achieved our BFI designation,” said Andrea Reist, Director, Child and Family Health. “Under this designation families can continue to be assured that our programs and services are operating under standards that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.”
BFI standards guide aspects of work such as community partnerships, client education, resource materials, and services. It also means that Public Health buildings are considered baby-friendly environments – mothers are welcomed to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.
The Baby-Friendly Initiative is a global campaign that acknowledges that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for mothers and infants, and supports families to make the best decision about feeding their infants without the commercial influence of artificial baby milk (formula) marketing. In Canada, the BFI designation is determined by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada and is given to hospitals and community health services that implement policies to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Parents and caregivers who have questions about infant feeding are encouraged to call 519-575-4400 (TTY 519-575-4608) to speak to a public health nurse and get information about local breastfeeding clinics, programs, and services.
A formal plaque presentation will be made at Regional Council on May 3, 2016 by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.
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Media contact: Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications, 519-575-4400 ext. 2244