Item - 2013.HL19.3
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by the Board of Health on February 11, 2013. The Committee received the item for information only. No further action will be taken on this item.
HL19.3 - Baby Friendly Initiative Update 2013
- Decision Type:
- Information
- Status:
- Received
- Wards:
- All
Board Decision
The Board of Health received the item for information.
Decision Advice and Other Information
A formal presentation, awarding the Baby-Friendly Designation to Toronto Public Health was made to the Board of Health by a member of the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.
Origin
Summary
This report is the third in a series of reports related to the status of breastfeeding promotion and support in Toronto. In 2010, a breastfeeding study conducted by Toronto Public Health (TPH) clearly demonstrated the important role that hospitals and community agencies play in a mother's decision to initiate and continue to breastfeed. This resulted in a number of recommendations for both TPH and Toronto birthing hospitals, including one for TPH and the hospitals to work towards achievement of Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation through the Breastfeeding Committee of Canada. Toronto Public Health has continued to monitor and report on the status of BFI designation.
Toronto Public Health is pleased to advise the Board that it has been granted Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation by the Breastfeeding Committee of Canada. This designation is for five years. TPH is the largest health unit in Canada to achieve designation and the eighth health unit in Ontario to be awarded this status.
With respect to the designation status of Toronto's ten birthing hospitals, Toronto East General Hospital remains the only BFI designated hospital. Over the past year, the other nine Toronto birthing hospitals have continued their efforts to put policies and practices in place which are supportive of breastfeeding. Toronto Public Health continues to work with them to support their efforts
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-55580.pdf