Download an Introductory Packet (pdf)
		Request an Introductory Packet(email)
		Download a Discovery Phase Registration Form (pdf)
		Download a Self-Appraisal Tool (pdf)
		Download a report on Overcoming Barriers (pdf)
		Download an order form for support materials (pdf)
		Commonly Asked Questions and Answers About the Baby-Friendly™ Process
		Download a diagram of the 4-D Pathway to Designation (pdf)
		Baby-Friendly USA Annual Fees
		Links for Hospitals and Health Care Providers

Facilities embark on a lengthy journey that necessitates them to thoroughly evaluate their current practices and adopt new policies and procedures that lead to improved health outcomes. To achieve the Baby-Friendly Designation, facilities must register with Baby-Friendly USA; complete the all of the requirements; and ultimately demonstrate during an on-site assessment that they have correctly integrated all “10 Steps To Successful Breastfeeding” into their practice for healthy newborns. 

To aid facilities in reaching this world-class standard of maternity care, Baby-Friendly USA is pleased to announce the new “4-D Pathway” for achieving the Baby-Friendly Designation.  This new method maintains all of the high standards set by a team of global experts, while at the same breaks the process down into manageable and achievable tasks. Following this plan will ensure that the Baby-Friendly principles are fully implemented in a logical and efficient manner.

What is the 4-D Pathway?

1. Discovery Phase: Facilities register with Baby-Friendly USA and learn about the process.

2. Development Phase: Facilities make a commitment to the process, receive a registry of intent certificate, and receive a comprehensive set of plans for how they will implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Extensive technical assistance from Baby-Friendly USA is provided. All plans are reviewed and approved by Baby-Friendly USA before the facility moves to the next phase.

3. Dissemination Phase: Facilities implement the plans they developed during the prior phase.

4. Designation Phase: Facilities review their implementation of the Ten Steps and implement a quality assurance program. When ready, they undergo an on-site assessment conducted by a Baby-Friendly assessment team and a review by the External Review Board. Upon successful completion of this process, the Baby-Friendly designation is conferred. If the facility does not pass on first assessment, it may apply for re-assessment when identified problems have been rectified.

Download The 4-D Designation Pathway for more information.

How do facilities commit to the process to enter into the Development Phase and receive a Registry of Intent Award?

Facilities submit an application, a letter of support from the CEO, a completed self-appraisal tool, and payment of the appropriate annual fee. Baby-Friendly USA will then award the facility with a Registry of Intent Certificate.

How long are facilities designated for?

Designation lasts for 5 years. At the end of the five year period, facilities receive another on-site assessment in order to be re-designated for an additional 5 year period of tiem.  However, in order to assure that facilities are maintaining the high standard of care that the Baby-Friendly designation represents, they must undertake annual Quality Assurance/Improvement projects assigned by Baby-Friendly USA.

Is help available?

Yes! Baby-Friendly USA staff members are available to provide technical support in preparatio to move from Discovery to Development and beyond. Assistance is also available for increasing the awareness of the Initiative in your community for individuals and organizations not affiliated with hospitals. In addition, a series of materials to help hospitals work toward implementation of the Ten Steps is also available (see order form).

A guidance document may be downloaded to assist with overcoming barriers. The report, completed with the government support, is a compilation of strategies used by the existing Baby-Friendly facilities.