Baby Friendly
Health Initiative
Improving healthcare for babies, their mothers and families.
Welcome to the Baby Friendly Health Initiative Australia
The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) is a joint World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF project that aims to create a healthcare environment where breastfeeding is the norm, and practices known to promote the well-being of all mothers and infants are promoted. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are the global criteria against which maternity facilities are assessed and accredited.
The role of the BFHI in Australia is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. This is achieved by providing a framework for Baby Friendly hospitals to operate within based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Once implemented, these standards ensure all mothers and babies receive appropriate support and contemporary information in both the antenatal and postnatal period, regarding infant care and feeding.
Latest News
BFHI Training Course for Maternity Staff
BFHI states that all health workers who care for women and children during [...]
The BFHI for Small, Sick and Preterm Newborns
The 2018 revision of the Ten Steps states that the care of small, [...]
BFHI: Separating Fact from Fiction
Despite the increase in BFHI accreditation, misinformation is still rife amongst mothers and [...]