Baby-Friendly Initiative Ontario (BFION) began in 2000 in response to a realization that there was a need for provincial support for the promotion of evidence based, supportive breastfeeding practices in Ontario. BFION has grown from the original 14 volunteers to individual and group membership from across the province and beyond. Members are dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding as the normal method of infant feeding and the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI).
BFION is the provincial representative for the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC): The National Authority for the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. In partnership with the BCC, BFION is responsible for the implementation of the BCC’s Baby-Friendly Initiative Standards and partners with hospitals and community health services to assist and support them to achieve and maintain BFI designation.
Members of BFION are able to network with other members, sharing information and resources through email bulletins, social media, discussions at meetings, and a member's only page on our website. They also are able to enjoy a discounted rate if they attend our BFION Expo.
Vision
Ontario has a Baby-Friendly culture
Mission
To protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Ontario through the adoption, implementation and maintenance of the Baby‐Friendly Initiative.
Goals
To support the implementation of BFI best practices across Ontario.
To increase the number of hospitals and community health services involved in the implementation of the BFI.
To increase the number of BFI designated hospitals and community health services.
To support BFI designated hospitals and community health services to maintain their BFI designation.
History
BFION's Inception and Journey - 25th Anniversary PowerPoint Presentation
Please visit our You Tube channel for a narrated copy of this presentation. Click here.
25th Anniversary Celebration Events
Invitation to parents who gave birth in Ontario about 25 years ago to share their experience. Use our questionnaire to tell your story.
Click here for the questionnaire.
25th Anniversary Celebration Resources
Posters
Structure
Breastfeeding Committee for Canada Organogram 2024
BFI Ontario Structure 2026
