The aim of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) documents for Aotearoa New Zealand is to:
- provide a set of evidence-based standards for national assessment that is based on global BHFI documents that are relevant to the New Zealand context
- provide an assessment tool
- document historical influences on breastfeeding in New Zealand
In 2013 a review of the BFHI Aotearoa New Zealand manual was undertaken, with separate documents now available for primary and/or secondary/tertiary facilities. Five of the seven sections can be viewed by the public.
In 2017, a process to refresh and relaunch the BFHI began. The aim is to streamline audit systems and processes so they become cost effective and efficient for DHBs.
As at September 2017, Parts 1, 2 and 4 have been revised and are available below. Following a trial of the new system, Parts 3a, 3b and 5 will be updated. This is likely to be in January 2018.
Facilities applying for accreditation from 1 October 2017 onward will be assessed by the BFHI documents listed below.
