The Office of Family Health Services officially relaunched the Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program in October 2024.
The program has rebranded. The logo and designation awards have been updated, which can be found on this page.
You may apply to the program below:
The Hospital Designation Program awards a medal for every two steps achieved in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Baby-Friendly USA.
- Bronze-2 steps completed
- Silver-4 steps completed
- Gold-6 steps completed
- Platinum-8 steps completed
- Diamond-10 steps
Please note that facilities which have an existing and active Baby-Friendly USA designation will automatically earn diamond designation upon review of an expedited application to the Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program.
Submitting an application
You may submit an application for breastfeeding-friendly designation anytime throughout the year!
The Virginia Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Advisory Council will review applications twice a year, in April and November.
Applications are eligible for review in April if they are submitted with all required documents by April 1st.
Applications are eligible for review in November if they are submitted with all required documents by November 1st.
If your application is submitted any time after April 1st or November 1st, it will be processed at the next closest review date.
Re-applying to the program
Once a level of designation is earned, a facility may re-apply for a higher level of designation if they choose to do so. Please note that if a facility applies for a higher-level of designation and earns it, this will expire at the same time as the initial designation earned.
Items to assist with application submission
If questions arise, please be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions and Application Instructions documents first. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, you may contact the team at VDH using the Contact Us page!