Maternity Care Practices
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
In 1992, UNICEF and WHO launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program developed to encourage and recognize hospitals and maternity centers that offer an optimal level of care for lactation. To become Baby-Friendly, hospitals and maternity centers must practice each of the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding. Rhode Island aims to be the first state in the nation with all of its birthing hospitals designated as Baby-Friendly. Newport and South County Hospitals are already designated as Baby-Friendly Hospitals.
Awards & Recognition
RIBC has been widely recognized for helping Rhode Island become the first bag-free state in the nation:
Rhode Island is First Bag-Free State!In November 2011, Rhode Island became the first state in the nation to eliminate the distribution of free formula discharge bags at all birthing hospitals. Press Release
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Rhode Island Baby-Friendly Hospitals
LINKS
LocalNational
Baby-Friendly USA
Ban the Bags CDC National Survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care IOM Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Recommendations
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