The Gift designation is awarded to facilities that have met Gift criteria and submitted supporting evidence and documentation; no inspection or on-site assessment is required. The Gift does not replace Baby-Friendly accreditation, but assists facilities in achieving and maintaining standards that position them for success during Gift and Baby-Friendly designation and maintenance.

Gift designations are awarded to birthing facilities that achieve benchmarks reflecting success in four focus areas:

• Evidence-based practices
• The Gift Guidelines for Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes compliance
• Consistent Messaging
• Quality Improvement

Applications for designation and re-designation are reviewed on a quarterly basis (October, January, April, July) by a Bureau of Family Health appointed review committee. For more information on enrollment or the designation application process, please contact Marci Brewer at Marci.Brewer@la.gov.