Title: Breast feeding: the baby friendly initiative [editorial]

POPLINE Document Number: 134336

Author(s):

Malik AN
Cutting WA

Source citation:

BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.), 1998 May 23;316(7144):1548-9.

Abstract:

Even though breast feeding is the best way to nourish infants and protect them from infections, a strong culture for bottle feeding exists in Britain. The global baby friendly hospital initiative was launched jointly by UNICEF and the World Health Organization in 1991 with the main objective of making it easier for mothers to breast feed. 10 steps are offered as a standard for good practice, with the Baby Friendly Initiative Golden Award given to hospitals which complete the steps and achieve a 75% rate of breast feeding upon discharge, and the British Baby Friendly Initiative Award given to hospitals which achieve a 50% breast-feeding rate upon discharge. By December 1996, there were only 3 baby friendly hospitals in Britain and another 10 with a certificate of commitment for achieving 3 of the steps. A low level of government involvement, an emphasis upon consumers' right to choose which causes some health professionals to shy away from endorsing breast feeding, and the isolation of some mothers from their extended families when discharged early from the hospital and the accompanying lack of social support to breast feed are some reasons why hospitals in Britain have been slow to adopt the initiative. The initiative needs to be adapted and developed if it is to take hold and make any positive impact in Britain.

Keywords:

United Kingdom
Hospitals
Breastfeeding
Promotion
Needs
Developed Countries
Europe, Western
Europe
Health Facilities
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Infant Nutrition
Nutrition
Marketing
Economic Factors