Responses to Current Questions Pertaining to the BFHI
What is the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative? Question
Answer Hospital quality improvement and accreditation program. Evaluates maternity care practices for their support of optimal infant nutrition (breastfeeding), and mother baby bonding. Project of the World Health Organization and UNICEF and is implemented in the United States by Baby-Friendly USA. Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
What are the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding? Question
Answer The Ten Steps are a set of evidence-based practices first published by WHO in 1989. The goal of the Ten Steps and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is to pave the smoothest pathway possible for breastfeeding success. http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/about-us/babyfriendly-hospital-initiative/the-ten-steps
Answer According to the CDC, approximately 80% of US women are choosing to breastfeed their babies. Unfortunately, many women are not meeting their own breastfeeding goals. Hospital practices have been pointed to as one of the reasons women don t meet their goals.
Question There has been a lot of discussion in the media about Baby-Friendly not being friendly to mothers and is taking away mothers choice and making them feel guilty.
Answer Baby-Friendly is all about empowering the mother and supporting her choice. Mothers should be fully informed about the impact of her choice, in a sensitive, patientcentered manner that allows her to make the best infant feeding decision for her family. No intention to impose guilt, however, we do hope to prevent REGRET.
Question Is infant formula forbidden to be used in a Baby Friendly designated facility?
Answer Baby Friendly designated facilities have policies in place that support optimal infant nutrition and mother baby bonding. All mothers receive education about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Formula is not ROUTINELY used with breastfed infants. Education and documentation are important.
Question Is a Baby Friendly designated hospital required to force all mothers to breastfeed?
Baby Friendly hospitals are expected to treat ALL mothers with dignity and respect. Explore reasons for mothers not wanting to breastfeed. Help overcome barriers. Answer Provide the same high quality care, regardless of infant feeding method.
Question The safety of implementing some of the BFHI Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria (GEC) has been called into question by some members of the medical community and popular media. How do we respond?
Example: The wording of the 10 steps themselves may not suggest a potential for risk. However, the specific guidelines for Baby-Friendly designation provide the cause for concern.
Example: Media blitz
Answer Safety has always been a BFUSA priority. GEC Tenet 11:. Each participating facility assumes full responsibility for assuring that its implementation of the BFHI is consistent with all of its safety protocols. Safety checks are built into the 4-D pathway: policy review, staff training plan requirements and review, patient education review, audits, and Readiness Assessment Interview.
Answer Good friends have responded
Answer BFUSA safety page on website, includes webinar and resource link
Answer Home» Get Started» The Guidelines Evaluation Criteria» Safety Of Baby Friendly Practices http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/get-started/the-guidelines-evaluationcriteria/safety-of-baby-friendly-practices
Answer Work is underway to develop safety audit and an accompanying video/webinar. Letters to the editor of JAMA Pediatrics.
Mothers Comments The care is great/fantastic When I have a question someone helps me Have had all the care I needed while being here You ask questions people will get you an answer Very pleased with care Love the care; treated very nicely Everything is fine for us Excellent! I have received good care Everything was great! Good attention and care.
Staff Comments I'm just excited that we're finally on board We have improved dramatically. We have become much more pro-active. Much more exclusive breastfeeding and support. Patients say they like how they are able to keep baby with them all the time I see great improvements with our care When I have questions because I'm new I will ask for help and staff are so helpful
Staff Comments We have worked hard to make good changes for our moms and babies I think we provide excellent care We have excellent resources We are excited about the care we provide This is the best thing. Moms more content. Low anxiety level. Enjoying the difference.
Thank you Questions????