Coronavirus Update
Rescheduling Upcoming Onsite Assessments
After careful consideration, we have decided to reschedule onsite assessments booked through April 17, 2020.
Given that we do not know the trajectory of the virus, we will continue to monitor the situation, listen to public health officials, and make a timely determination about assessments scheduled beyond that date.
We understand that this is an enormous inconvenience for facilities that have been preparing for their onsite assessment for many months. Like you, we wish we could avoid this step. Our top priority, however, is the health and safety of staff, patients and assessors. Given everything we know about COVID-19, it would irresponsible of us to introduce external personnel to the hospital environment at this time. In addition, many hospitals have significantly limited visitors and non-essential personnel from entering their premises and interacting with staff and patients, so it is very likely we would be prohibited from performing our assessments.
If your facility is impacted by this, please contact BFUSA to schedule a new date for your assessment starting in July. We will be offering new dates to facilities on a first-come-first-served basis. Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.
Implications for 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (Ten Steps) Practices
Many of you have contacted us regarding the implications of COVID-19 on the Ten Steps practices. We remind you of the importance of following CDC guidance outlined in its Interim Considerations for Infection Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Inpatient Obstetric Healthcare Settings.
As we navigate the need to implement safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to remember and to remind patients of the protective immunological properties of breastfeeding. While the CDC cautiously reminds us that there are still many unknowns, they have set up a specific page that addresses COVID-19 and pregnancy and breastfeeding. Facilities should implement all appropriate practices to safely facilitate breastfeeding getting off to a good start.
We understand that deviations in practice may be required to respond to COVID-19 concerns, and we ask simply that you clearly document the circumstances in these unique situations.
Please contact us at info@babyfriendlyusa.org with any specific questions. Thank you for all you are doing to navigate this very difficult time.
