Using the Self-Appraisal Tool to renew Policies
and Practices
Any hospital or birth center that is interested in achieving the Baby-Friendly designation should - as a first step - appraise its current practices in
relation to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
The checklist that follows will permit a hospital, birthing center, or other
health facility giving maternity care to make a quick initial appraisal
or review of its practices in support of breastfeeding. Completion of this
initial self-review form is the first stage of the process of meeting the
requirements to receive a Certificate of Intent from Baby-Friendly USA.
Facilities are encouraged to bring their key management and clinical staff
together to complete the Self-Appraisal Tool and develop a plan of action
based on the results of the self appraisal.
Facilities participating in the Development, Dissemination, and Designation phases of the 4-D Pathway may access
technical assistance toward the full implementation of the Ten Steps from
Baby-Friendly USA staff. Facilities are encouraged to enter the 4-D Pathway early in their journey toward Baby-Friendly
designation.
