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Do you have a baby-friendly space?

Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a child with major health benefits for both mothers and babies.  Halton Baby-Friendly Initiative (HBFI) aims to promote a baby-friendly Halton by encouraging and supporting the Halton community to provide Baby-Friendly Spaces throughout the region. A Baby-Friendly Space is anywhere that welcomes and supports mothers with babies/young children and families.

Why is supporting breastfeeding important?

• The majority of children in Canada are breastfed, providing major health benefits to both the child and the family.
• Many people choose not to breastfeed outside the comfort of their own home as they feel unsupported breastfeeding in public spaces.
• It makes good business sense to support and encourage breastfeeding in Halton as it helps to improve the health of the community.

Why provide a Baby-Friendly Space?

• Helps improve the general health and well-being of the Halton community while upholding the law (Ontario Human Rights Code).
• Supports families with young children, encouraging loyalty and attracting new customers.
• Attracts good publicity and promotes your Baby-Friendly business to the community.

How can you provide a Baby-Friendly Space?

• Display the universal breastfeeding logo.
• Welcome breastfeeding families and support their legal right to breastfeed anytime and anywhere without being asked to move or cover up.
• For those who request privacy, if available, provide a comfortable, clean and private area to feed their child or express milk.  Note that washrooms are not a suitable place for anyone to eat, including a breastfeeding child.
• Ensure staff are trained to respond to any negative comments regarding breastfeeding by demonstrating support for breastfeeding in public and offering to re-seat the concerned customer rather than the breastfeeding parent.
• Support employees who return to work while breastfeeding.

Your Baby-Friendly Space can play an important role in supporting breastfeeding and the general well-being of families within Halton. If you need help to become baby-friendly, including how to become Code compliant, please contact us at info@babyfriendlyhalton.ca.

Page updated July 17, 2019