Table 1 Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding*
From: Implementing Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative policy: the case of New Zealand public hospitals
Every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should: |
|---|
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. |
2. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. |
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits of breastfeeding. |
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth. |
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they should be separated from their infants. |
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated. |
7. Practice rooming-in – allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. |
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand. |
9. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants. |
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic. |