New York City’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, is taking a strong stand in support of breastfeeding. If his success banning smoking in restaurants and bars, and most recently banning use of trans fats in New York City restaurants is any indication, Baby Friendly is about to become the standard in the Big Apple.

Bloomberg announced this week that 2 million dollars has been slated to promote breastfeeding in city hospitals. In a city of over 8 million that may seem like a drop in the bucket but what the City has in mind is what is the real news. Bloomberg’s health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Frieden had this to say at a conference last week. “We don’t yet have any hospitals in New York City that meet national ‘baby-friendly’ standards.” He went on to say, “That means getting formula out of the nursery. It means putting the baby on the breast immediately after birth. It means that every person who interacts with that mother and child is supportive and encouraging of breast-feeding.”

I would think this was just talk. But it’s rare when Bloomberg doesn’t get what he wants. He is taking on the infant formula companies. He’s telling hospitals to keep mothers and babies together from the moment of birth. He’s telling nurses and physicians that they better be supportive and encouraging of breastfeeding. A major shake-up is on its way.

If City hospitals are Baby Friendly, can private hospitals be far behind? This is great news for New York City mothers and babies. Bravo Mayor Bloomberg!