The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in 1991 to promote and support successful breastfeeding practices. The initiative’s core framework is based on the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” a set of guidelines designed to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. By adhering to these ten steps, healthcare facilities can significantly improve breastfeeding rates and, consequently, the health outcomes of both mothers and babies.
Step 1: Have a Written Breastfeeding Policy
A comprehensive breastfeeding policy is the cornerstone of the Baby-Friendly Initiative. Hospitals and maternity centers should develop and implement a clear, written policy that outlines the importance of breastfeeding and the practices to support it. This policy should be communicated to all staff members and regularly updated based on the latest evidence and guidelines.
Why It Matters: A written policy provides a structured approach to breastfeeding support, ensuring that all staff members are on the same page and reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to promoting breastfeeding.
Step 2: Train All Healthcare Staff in Breastfeeding
Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants, should receive thorough training on breastfeeding practices and support. This training should cover the benefits of breastfeeding, proper techniques, and how to address common challenges that mothers may face.
Why It Matters: Well-trained staff can provide accurate information, practical support, and reassurance to mothers, improving their confidence and ability to successfully breastfeed.
Step 3: Inform All Pregnant Women About the Benefits of Breastfeeding
Education is key to successful breastfeeding. Maternity centers should provide expectant mothers with information about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. This education should start during prenatal visits and continue throughout the hospital stay.
Why It Matters: Informing pregnant women about breastfeeding benefits helps to build their knowledge and motivation, increasing the likelihood of initiating and continuing breastfeeding.
Step 4: Help Mothers Initiate Breastfeeding Within One Hour of Birth
Immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding within the first hour after birth are crucial for establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship. Healthcare staff should support and assist mothers in initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery.
Why It Matters: Early initiation helps stimulate the baby’s natural breastfeeding instincts, supports bonding, and establishes a good milk supply.
Step 5: Show Mothers How to Breastfeed and Maintain Lactation
Maternity centers should provide practical demonstrations and hands-on assistance to help mothers learn how to properly latch their baby and maintain effective breastfeeding. This includes teaching mothers about different breastfeeding positions, how to recognize signs of a good latch, and ways to address any difficulties.
Why It Matters: Practical guidance and support help mothers overcome challenges, making the breastfeeding experience smoother and more successful.
Step 6: Give Newborns No Food or Drink Other Than Breast Milk
To ensure exclusive breastfeeding, hospitals should avoid providing newborns with any food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically necessary. This includes avoiding the use of pacifiers and formula supplements.
Why It Matters: Exclusive breastfeeding ensures that babies receive the full nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk and helps establish a strong breastfeeding routine.
Step 7: Practice Rooming-In, Allowing Mothers and Babies to Stay Together
Rooming-in refers to the practice of keeping the mother and baby in the same room 24 hours a day. This practice supports frequent breastfeeding, enhances bonding, and allows for immediate assistance if needed.
Why It Matters: Rooming-in facilitates easier breastfeeding, supports maternal-infant bonding, and helps mothers respond to their baby’s needs more effectively.
Step 8: Encourage Breastfeeding on Demand
Maternity centers should encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies on demand, rather than adhering to a strict feeding schedule. This means responding to the baby’s hunger cues and allowing them to feed as frequently and for as long as they need.
Why It Matters: Feeding on demand helps establish a good milk supply, supports the baby’s nutritional needs, and fosters a positive breastfeeding experience.
Step 9: Support and Encourage Breastfeeding in the Community
Support for breastfeeding should extend beyond the hospital setting. Maternity centers should connect mothers with community resources, such as breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultants, and educational materials.
Why It Matters: Ongoing support from the community helps mothers maintain breastfeeding after they leave the hospital and addresses any challenges they may encounter.
Step 10: Ensure All Healthcare Staff Are Trained to Support Breastfeeding
Ongoing training for healthcare staff is essential to maintaining a high standard of breastfeeding support. This includes regular updates on breastfeeding practices, new research, and effective support strategies.
Why It Matters: Continuous training ensures that healthcare staff remain knowledgeable and capable of providing the best possible support to breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion
The Baby-Friendly Ten Steps provide a comprehensive framework for promoting and supporting breastfeeding in healthcare settings. By implementing these steps, maternity centers can create an environment that encourages successful breastfeeding practices, ultimately benefiting both mothers and infants. Supporting breastfeeding from the very beginning not only enhances the immediate health of babies but also sets the stage for a healthier future. As more healthcare facilities adopt these guidelines, we can hope to see improved breastfeeding rates and better overall public health outcomes.