Once you have established a group (2 or more) of stakeholders, many communities begin with having their local government proclamation their community Breastfeeding Family Friendly. Download example proclamations: Carrboro/Chapel Hill Proclamation or Durham Proclamation.
The community’s elected or appointed leadership has a written statement supporting breastfeeding that is routinely communicated to all.
STEP 1 of 10
BREASTFEEDING FAMILY FRIENDLY COMMUNITY (BFFC) DESIGNATION
Download the Global Criteria.
Requirements:
- The written and signed proclamation includes actions to support the following nine steps.
- The written and signed proclamation is shared via all local media outlets/social media, as available, once per year.
- Local media have hosted a discussion of this issue with breastfeeding experts and/or La Leche League or similar at least bi-annually.
- A copy of the Ten Steps designation and the local proclamation is widely distributed at least annually, possibly during World Breastfeeding Week (In US, National Breastfeeding Month).
Is your government ready?
- Is your government ready to pass a public statement (e.g., proclamation) in support of breastfeeding for the community?
- Does your local municipal (or government or town or city) council support breastfeeding?
- Are the members of the council aware of the importance of supporting breastfeeding?
- What education might the members of your municipal council need to support breastfeeding?
- What are the laws concerning breastfeeding in public?
- Is your law enforcement aware of the laws?
- How is the information disseminated to the first responders in the community?
Resources:
- Inform your government employees/staff/personnel about the importance of supporting breastfeeding.
- WHO / UNICEF Benefits of Breastfeeding
- WABA links
- Baby friendly hospitals decrease mortality rates with BF
- In the United States, All fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.