Community Baby Friendly Policy

Policy number: 2014-07

Effective date: August 12, 2014

Last revision date: August 12, 2014

On this page

1. Purpose
2. Policy
3. Definitions
4. Responsibilities

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to assist Haldimand County staff in ensuring mothers and their babies are welcomed and accommodated while visiting public spaces within County buildings and properties.

2. Policy

2.1.  All Public Health Units in Ontario have been mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (OMHLTC) to implement and support the Baby-Friendly Initiative. This policy is also consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) breastfeeding initiatives.

2.2.  According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, a breastfeeding mother has the right to breastfeed a child in a public area. The environment of County buildings should remain free from discrimination towards breastfeeding women and ensure that all community members wishing to breastfeed on County premises are supported.

3. Definitions

3.1. Baby-Friendly Initiative: An international program established by the WHO and UNICEF to promote, support and protect breastfeeding worldwide in hospital and in the community. Further, Haldimand County wants to ensure that the needs of mothers and their babies are accommodated, to the best of the ability of staff, within our community.

4. Responsibilities

4.1. Haldimand County recognizes that breastfeeding is recommended by the OMHLTC and that breast milk is the most optimal food for healthy growth and development of infants. The County will maintain an environment in its public facilities and buildings that encourages and supports community members using them to breastfeed in publically accessible areas of the premises.

4.2. Where feasible, a private space will be provided when requested, within Haldimand County public buildings, free from distraction and complete with an electrical outlet for the purpose of nursing or expressing milk. This space may change depending on room availability. A hand-washing facility will be available at all County buildings but does not need to be located within the private rooms. Privacy signs will be available to hang on the door of the room at each County public building.

4.3.  Appropriate signage will be posted in public areas of all County buildings which are open to the public indicating that Haldimand County promotes and supports a baby friendly environment and is in support of the Haldimand–Norfolk Health Unit working towards the Baby-Friendly Initiative designation.