Public Health Services achieves Baby Friendly Designation

HAMILTON, ON - October 4, 2016 - This World Breastfeeding Week City of Hamilton Public Health Services celebrates the achievement of Baby Friendly Designation, awarded by the Breastfeeding Committee of Canada (BCC).

The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) is an international program launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding around the world. It is an international designation awarded to hospitals, public health units and community health centres that successfully meet specific criteria after extensive and ongoing assessments.

“The Baby Friendly designation certifies that we have the best practices in place so that families can continue to receive high quality infant feeding services and supports from Public Health Services,” says Jennifer Vickers-Manzin, Director, Family Health Division.

“The achievement of Baby Friendly Designation has clear benefits for children, mothers, caregivers, and families – promoting and protecting breastfeeding which directly impacts the development of children, and also benefits mothers.  This contributes directly to the City vision of making Hamilton the best place to raise a child and age successfully,” says City of Hamilton, Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

In order to achieve this designation, representatives from the BCC conducted an assessment of Public Health Services which included an examination of recent breastfeeding rates, visits to PHS offices, review of policies and practices, and conducting interviews with community partners, staff across Public Health, and with mothers.

More information

For more information about the services and supports provided by City of Hamilton Public Health Services:

Public Health Services Breastfeeding Clinic

Breastfeeding Clinics offer in person breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse/Lactation Consultant.  For more information, or to book an appointment call 905-546-3550.

Public Health Services Health Connections

Get support for breastfeeding from a Public Health Nurse/Lactation Consultant
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 905-546-3550
Email: [email protected]

Healthy Families Hamilton