Baby-Friendly Hospitals

The BFHI began in 1991 through the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). As part of the BFHI, hospital staff are well trained regarding the care of breastfeeding mothers and their babies.  BFHI policies allow healthy babies and their mothers to stay together day and night (rooming in) so they have the best chance to get to know each other and so infants can breastfeed as needed.

BFHI hospitals are important for improving positive health outcomes among Oklahoma’s babies, mothers, and families. Breastfeeding is the optimal way to provide nourishment and promote health for mother and child (see Exclusive Breastfeeding). Studies show that babies exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives are at a lower risk of illnesses like diabetes, childhood cancers, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

BFHI-designated hospitals have adopted procedures that emphasize the importance of breastfeeding in their practice, improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Children born at BFHI hospitals have higher rates of breastfeeding compared to facilities without accreditation. 

The BFHI stands on three basic pillars that outline the importance of human breast milk, mother-child bonding, and education about breastfeeding. Education is a cornerstone of BFHI accreditation, although providing evidence-based breastfeeding care is also required. 

Oklahoma currently has ten BFHI-certified hospitals across the state.