Infant feeding and institutional compliance with the WHO/UNICEF baby-friendly initiative: an assessment through maternal experience

Abstract

The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and supported through World Health Organization guidelines. Maternal healthcare in the hours/days following delivery can greatly impact breastfeeding outcomes. The World Health Organization developed the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) to promote optimal infant feeding care in healthcare settings. None of the 40 designated Baby-Friendly facilities in Canada are located in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) where rates of initiation and exclusive feeding are among Canada’s lowest. This research assesses hospital adherence with Steps 3-10 of the BFI at the Janeway Children’s Hospital/Health Science Centre in St. John’s, NL. Using interpretive phenomenology to explore maternal healthcare experiences, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and hospital policy review. Results indicate a lack of full adherence with Steps 3-10 of the BFI. Reported inconsistencies suggest a need for improved breastfeeding education, training and supportive conditions for nurses; and improved policy communication, monitoring and alignment with BFI guidelines.