Algoma Public Health Achieves Baby-Friendly Initiative Designation

Mon, May 16, 2016

Algoma Public Health (APH) is happy to announce that the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC) has re-designated APH as a Baby-Friendly Community Health Facility. The initiative is aimed at hospitals and community-based organizations, including all of Ontario’s 36 health units, which have been mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to implement the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI).

Algoma Public Health is the only healthcare organization to hold this prestigious designation in Algoma.

The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) is a global campaign of the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that was initiated in 1991. BFI helps to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and babies by improving the quality of their care. The term Baby-Friendly was selected because it points to the importance of an agency being inclusive of all babies regardless of how they are fed.

“BFI designation confirms the high standards of care we deliver to our community and ensures families are supported to make informed infant feeding decisions. The Baby-Friendly Initiative protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding families as well as families who have made an informed decision not to breastfeed. ” says Melinda Bruno, a public health nurse and BFI Lead at Algoma Public Health.”

The Breastfeeding Committee for Canada observed excellent practice during the External Assessment and congratulated APH in their efforts to ensure the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding in Algoma.

“The work of Algoma Public Health serves as an inspiration to others working in community health services across Canada,” says Michelle LeDrew, Chair of the BCC Assessment Committee. “The assessment revealed excellent attitudes, knowledge and skills to support women to meet their breastfeeding goals within the community.”

Families in Algoma can access breastfeeding assistance:

• Call the Parent Child Information Line (PCIL) at 705-541-7101 or TF at 1-888-537-5741
• Visit the Parent Child Information Centre or your local public health office
• Book a Lactation Consultant appointment by calling the PCIL
• Learn more about Parent Child Services online

 

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