The Baby Friendly Initiative was officially launched in the UK in 1994. It was decided very early that an initiative which covered only maternity hospitals would be limited value in the UK. This is because, unlike mothers in most other countries, mothers in the UK spend a very limited time in hospital, with much care given by health professionals based in the community. Therefore, the word 'hospital' was removed from the title of the Initiative and work was initiated to adapt the globally established criteria to make them suitable for use in community health care settings.
The Seven Point Plan for the Protection and Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding in community healthcare settings was launched in the UK in 1998. This extends the principles of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding into community healthcare facilities. Assessment is carried out using criteria adapted to the various types of community health care facility. Facilities which fully implement all Seven Points may receive Baby Friendly accreditation. This award represents a quality standard of equal importance to the Baby Friendly Hospital award.
For further information please contact Sarah Mckie Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife
Tel 01614195502
Mob 07767870506
Email sarah.mckie@stockport.nhs.uk
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