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The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Publication: Special Delivery
Publication Date: 22-DEC-04 		Format: Online - approximately 1441 words
Delivery: Immediate Online Access
Full Article Title: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.(Breastfeeding)

Article Excerpt
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a world wide program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Its goal is to encourage hospitals and birth centers to promote and support breastfeeding. Recognition is given to those organizations that successfully complete a rigorous application and evaluation process. Hospitals and birth centers need to comply with The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding for Hospitals (see sidebar). These ten steps outline critical ways to promote breastfeeding. They assure that:

1. Mothers are given information regarding the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

2. Health care staff are educated and trained to support breastfeeding mothers and babies.

3. Practices within the facility do not undermine breastfeeding.

4. Support groups are established and available for mothers to attend after leaving the hospital or birth center.

When a facility can demonstrate, through an on-site evaluation, that they are able to implement the Ten Steps, they will be awarded the designation of being a Baby-Friendly institution.

Globally, the BFHI was established to decrease infant morbidity and mortality. Over 16,000 hospitals and birth centers have received the prestigious Baby-Friendly award. In the United States, as of August 2004, only forty-two facilities have achieved the Baby-Friendly status. (see sidebar for current list of U.S. facilities). You can also...

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