Iloilo Mission Hospital Awarded DOH’s Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Seal 

ILOILO CITY — A landmark recognition has been awarded to Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH), one of the oldest and most respected medical institutions in the Visayas, as it officially receives the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital (MBFH) accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH). The award affirms IMH's commitment to upholding optimal standards in maternal and newborn care, particularly in line with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 (RA 7600).

IMH joins the growing number of facilities in the country taking active steps to promote exclusive breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding post-delivery, rooming-in practices, and comprehensive maternal health education. This DOH recognition is awarded to hospitals that eliminate barriers to breastfeeding and adopt sustainable maternal-infant care models supported by international health protocols.

Hospital administrator Dr. Elmer Pedregosa said, “This award is not just a recognition, but a testament to our mission to safeguard mothers and infants through quality, compassionate, and evidence-based care.” He added that the accreditation will serve as a beacon for continued efforts in maternal and child health.

The MBFH initiative is a vital component of the country’s Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) strategy, which is supported by both UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). By encouraging hospitals to adopt pro-breastfeeding and family-centered care, the DOH aims to increase national breastfeeding rates, reduce infant mortality, and empower mothers to make informed health decisions.

IMH’s maternity unit now ensures:

• Early skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth

• 24-hour rooming-in to encourage mother-infant bonding

• Exclusive breastfeeding support from trained nurses

• Elimination of infant formula marketing

• Continued lactation education for healthcare workers
  
  

With this accreditation, Iloilo Mission Hospital sets a gold standard for others in Western Visayas and across the nation.

Mother-Baby Friendly Hospitals: Championing the Gold Standard in Maternal and Newborn Care in the Philippines 

In the Philippines, where maternal and infant health outcomes remain a top public health priority, the implementation of Mother-Baby Friendly Hospitals (MBFHs) plays a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of both mothers and their newborns. These hospitals go beyond simply offering maternity services—they actively uphold and implement evidence-based practices that promote safe childbirth, breastfeeding, and early mother-infant bonding.

What Is a Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital?

A Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital is a healthcare facility that complies with global and national standards designed to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and optimal care practices during childbirth and postnatal care. These standards are largely aligned with the WHO-UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which outlines Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

In the Philippine context, MBFHs operate under the guidance of the Department of Health (DOH) through the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) program. Facilities are assessed and accredited based on their full adherence to Republic Act No. 7600 (The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992) and Executive Order 51 (The Milk Code of the Philippines).

Why It Matters

1. Improved Breastfeeding Rates
   Breastfeeding is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. MBFHs ensure that mothers receive immediate breastfeeding support, helping raise the country’s exclusive breastfeeding rate, which remains below WHO’s target levels.

2. Reduced Infant Mortality and Morbidity
   Immediate skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding have been shown to reduce neonatal deaths, especially in under-resourced settings. Hospitals that practice these significantly contribute to lower child mortality rates.

3. Empowered Mothers and Families
   MBFHs offer proper counseling and support for mothers, enabling them to make informed choices about infant feeding and newborn care. This creates a foundation of confidence and competence for new parents.

4. Hospitals as Safe Havens
   With the increasing commercialization of breastmilk substitutes, MBFHs provide a safe and supportive environment free from aggressive formula marketing. This protects mothers from misinformation and undue pressure.

5. Stronger Health Systems
   Implementing MBFH standards also strengthens broader hospital systems—staff are better trained, policies are standardized, and there is a shift toward more patient-centered, holistic care.
   
   

Implementation in the Philippines

The DOH continues to work with local government units, NGOs, and international partners like UNICEF and WHO to scale up MBFH accreditation across both public and private hospitals. This is part of the broader goal to achieve Universal Health Care (UHC) and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates as outlined in the Philippine Health Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Despite progress, challenges remain—including inconsistent enforcement of breastfeeding laws, lack of training in rural facilities, and cultural barriers. However, the growing number of MBFH-certified hospitals is a positive sign that the Philippines is moving in the right direction.