The Virginia Department of Health has two recognition programs. The first recognition program is the Breastfeeding-Friendly Early Care Recognition.
Breastfeeding-Friendly Early Care Recognition
This program recognizes childcare facilities that work to support families with breastfeeding their children. There are five standards in this program:
- Environment
- Family support
- Infant feeding
- Professional development
- Breastfeeding policy
The Early Care Recognition Program is managed in partnership with Child Care Aware of Virginia. Visit the website the learn more.
Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program
The Virginia Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program utilizes the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding from Baby-Friendly USA. All birthing facilities are eligible to apply for designation, and they are evaluated based on how many of the Ten Steps they implement into their practices and policies. The program is a stepping-stone for hospitals who are preparing to apply for the Baby-Friendly USA Hospital Initiative, which is the gold standard.
For each two of the Ten Steps that a facility completes, they will earn an additional level of designation.
- Bronze: two steps earned
- Silver: four steps earned
- Gold: six steps earned
- Platinum: eight steps earned
- Diamond*: ten steps earned
*For facilities with an existing and active Baby-Friendly designation, they will automatically earn a diamond award after submitting proof of this documentation.