UF Health's Baby-Friendly Designation - UF Health (2024)

UF Health provides comprehensive and collaborative care for new moms and their infants, with part of that collaboration including vital breastfeeding education and support.

Why choose a Baby-Friendly facility?

Baby-Friendly facilities provide assurance that the highest standard of care is given regarding the health, nutrition, and bond between mothers and their newborns. We are third-party verified by Baby-Friendly USA, certifying our commitment to values including:

• The importance of skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth.
• The importance of keeping mother and baby together 24 hours a day.
• Assisting mothers with learning about latching, making sure their baby is getting enough, and what they can expect in the first weeks of feeding their newborn.
• No provision of food or fluids beyond breast milk unless medically necessary.
• No marketing materials, free samples, or outside vendors soliciting to families.
• Providing evidence-based education around the benefits of breastfeeding.
• Continued support after going home to address concerns mothers may encounter.
• Keeping all staff who work with breastfeeding families up to date on the best ways to provide education and support.

How do we provide Baby-Friendly care?

• Prenatal care visits where breastfeeding discussions begin.
• Classes on breastfeeding, childbirth and newborn care for expectant mothers.
• Lactation-trained nursing staff in Labor and Delivery, as well as Postpartum units.
• Board-certified lactation consultants in-house 7 days a week.
• Support of skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after delivery.
• Infants rooming-in with the caregiver 24 hours a day whenever possible.
• Providing information to on the benefits of breastfeeding and any risk related to formula feeding. Allowing mothers to make an informed infant feeding decision.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for babies?

• Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
• Less likely to become obese later in childhood.
• Breast milk contains antibodies that help them fight off viral and bacterial infections.
• Decreases risk of childhood cancer, like leukemia.
• Lower risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, diarrheal disease, and allergies.
• Lessens likelihood of type 1 diabetes.
• Reduced rate of necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for moms?

• Lower rates of breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
• Protects against postpartum hemorrhage.
• Unique bonding experience and reduced risk of postpartum depression.
• Decreases risk of anemia and infection.
• Reduced rate of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
• Reduced risk of heart disease.

Is formula feeding an option for me?

Though breastfeeding is considered the healthiest option for infant feeding, it is not always possible or preferred due to medical conditions or personal choice. For mothers who choose to formula feed, our providers can address any concerns, providing support and education to enhance healthy outcomes for you and your newborn.

UF Health supports the informed decision of mothers to decide what is best for themselves and their infant. Our providers are equipped to support each individual journey and choice.

To learn more about infant feeding options, lactation consultation, classes and other concerns, make an appointment by calling (352) 265-8200.

What is Baby-Friendly Designation?

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global initiative started by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund. This initiative designates hospitals and facilities that provide the highest standard of care when it comes to feeding newborns and supporting breastfeeding.

To be “Baby-Friendly” UF Health practice the following “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” outlined by the World Health Organization:

1a. Comply fully with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly resolutions.

1b. Have a written infant feeding policy that is routinely communicated to staff and parents.

1c. Establish ongoing monitoring and data-management systems.

2. Ensure that staff have sufficient knowledge, competence and skills to support breastfeeding.

3. Discuss the importance and management of breastfeeding with pregnant women and their families.

4. Facilitate immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and support mothers to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.

5. Support mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and manage common difficulties.

6. Do not provide breastfed newborns any food or fluids other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.

7. Enable mothers and their infants to remain together and to practice rooming-in 24 hours a day.

8. Support mothers to recognize and respond to their infants’ cues for feeding.

9. Counsel mothers on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats and pacifiers.

10. Coordinate discharge so that parents and their infants have timely access to ongoing support and care.