Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Analysis of Hospital Processes During Policy Implementation

Background: Mothers must be supported immediately after birth to establish breastfeeding. This support can most successfully be achieved through breastfeeding support policies, such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) by the World Health Organization. Despite the evidence that supports the implementation of BFHI, hospitals may be hesitant to pursue becoming Baby-Friendly because of perceived barriers. A greater understanding of the available support and best practice examples from other hospitals may provide additional incentive to increase the quality and effectiveness of care which improves infant health outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze implementation best practices of BFHI for hospitals in the U.S. Similarly, the study includes evaluation of how to navigate the stakeholder structure that influences these best practices.

Methods: The analysis consisted of a literature review regarding three hospitals' implementation processes. A numerical breakdown of how each hospital scored in multiple aspects of its implementation was conducted. Scoring each of the hospitals led to identifying which of the three hospitals was most successful in developing comprehensive hospital policies that support breastfeeding.

Results: In reviewing the transition of Boston Medical Center, Moanalua Medical Center and University of Utah Hospitals from birthing centers to “Baby-Friendly” designation, eight consistent trends were identified.

Conclusion: Through analysis of research, a model system was provided for hospitals to refer to during the implementation process of BFHI. As hospitals take responsibility and support mothers' decisions to breastfeed rates of breastfeeding will increase.