If you’re planning a hospital birth, you may come across a designation called “Baby-Friendly.” This designation is more than just a marketing term; it represents an initiative designed to improve maternity care and provide parents and newborns with a supportive environment that prioritizes breastfeeding and bonding. Understanding what it means to deliver in a Baby-Friendly hospital and how it impacts your options and care can help you prepare for a smooth hospital experience.
What Is the 'Baby-Friendly' Hospital Initiative?
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with the goal of supporting breastfeeding and improving maternity care worldwide. In the U.S., the BFHI has gained popularity, with hundreds of hospitals now meeting its standards to receive the Baby-Friendly designation.
This initiative aims to ensure that hospitals offer an optimal level of care for mothers and infants, with a strong focus on supporting breastfeeding from birth. BFHI hospitals follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices shown to improve breastfeeding success rates and encourage bonding between parents and their newborns.
What Are the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding?
The Ten Steps are core practices required for Baby-Friendly designation. These steps set standards for hospital policies, staff training, and parent education. Here’s a breakdown:
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Written Breastfeeding Policy: The hospital must have a policy supporting breastfeeding that is routinely shared with all healthcare staff.
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Training: All healthcare staff must receive training on breastfeeding and newborn care, ensuring that they can offer appropriate support to new mothers.
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Informing Expecting Parents: Hospitals must educate all pregnant women about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to establish breastfeeding after birth.
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Initiating Breastfeeding within an Hour of Birth: As soon as possible after delivery, the baby should be placed skin-to-skin with the mother, and breastfeeding should begin within the first hour.
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Teaching Breastfeeding Techniques: Hospital staff assist mothers with breastfeeding techniques and address any challenges.
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Exclusive Breastfeeding: The hospital encourages exclusive breastfeeding, meaning no other food or drink is provided unless medically necessary.
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Rooming-In: Newborns stay with their mothers 24 hours a day to promote bonding and increase breastfeeding opportunities.
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On-Demand Feeding: Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed whenever the baby shows signs of hunger, rather than on a strict schedule.
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No Artificial Nipples or Pacifiers: To prevent nipple confusion, Baby-Friendly hospitals avoid giving pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
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Post-Discharge Support: Hospitals connect mothers to breastfeeding support groups and resources upon discharge to help them continue breastfeeding successfully.
How Does the 'Baby-Friendly' Standard Affect Your Hospital Experience?
For parents giving birth in a Baby-Friendly hospital, this designation translates into specific experiences and practices that can impact the way you and your newborn are cared for. Here’s what to expect:
1. Emphasis on Breastfeeding Support
Baby-Friendly hospitals focus on breastfeeding as the primary source of nutrition for newborns, based on the numerous health benefits it provides for both baby and mother. Studies show that breastfeeding lowers the risk of certain infections, reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases, and promotes bonding.
In a Baby-Friendly hospital, expect more proactive support from lactation consultants and trained nurses who can help you with positioning, latch, and troubleshooting common breastfeeding issues. If you plan to breastfeed, the Baby-Friendly designation ensures that hospital staff are trained to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer hands-on help.
2. Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact
Immediately after birth, Baby-Friendly hospitals encourage skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, often placing the newborn on the mother’s chest for the first hour. Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to stabilize the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and blood sugar, and it can help regulate breathing.
For parents who want to bond with their baby right after birth, the Baby-Friendly model facilitates this opportunity. Fathers or partners can also engage in skin-to-skin contact if the mother is unavailable (such as in cases of a C-section), fostering a strong family bond.
3. Rooming-In Policy
Rooming-in is a core part of the Baby-Friendly standard. This practice allows mothers and babies to stay together 24/7 during their hospital stay. Instead of the traditional nursery model, where babies are cared for away from mothers, rooming-in enables parents to care for and bond with their baby from the start.
The rooming-in approach allows you to get to know your baby’s cues, start developing a feeding rhythm, and feel more confident about handling your baby once you return home. However, if you need rest or a break, you can still request for the baby to be cared for in the nursery if the hospital has one.
4. Discouragement of Formula Use and Pacifiers
One hallmark of Baby-Friendly hospitals is the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, which means formula feeding is only provided when medically necessary or when parents explicitly request it. This approach ensures that breastfeeding is established without interference, reducing the risk of nipple confusion and helping babies learn to breastfeed effectively.
If you plan to use formula, you’ll need to communicate this choice to the staff, as Baby-Friendly hospitals prioritize exclusive breastfeeding. Many Baby-Friendly hospitals also avoid providing pacifiers to newborns, as it’s believed they may interfere with breastfeeding success. If you’d like to use a pacifier, be sure to bring one and let your care team know your preferences.
5. Accessible Post-Discharge Breastfeeding Support
One of the unique aspects of Baby-Friendly hospitals is the follow-up support they offer after you leave the hospital. Many hospitals have lactation consultants available for follow-up consultations, and they may connect you with local breastfeeding support groups. Some even offer virtual support, which can be valuable as you navigate breastfeeding challenges in the weeks and months postpartum.
Potential Concerns for Parents in Baby-Friendly Hospitals
While the Baby-Friendly standard offers many benefits, it may not be the best fit for every family. Some parents prefer flexibility, particularly around feeding methods. Here are a few considerations:
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Formula Supplementation: If you plan to use formula, be prepared to communicate this clearly with the staff. Some parents have reported feeling pressure to breastfeed exclusively in Baby-Friendly hospitals, so it’s essential to advocate for your preferences.
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Limited Nursery Time: Rooming-in can be tiring for new parents who may be recovering from childbirth or facing health issues. If you need rest, discuss your options with the staff, as many hospitals still provide some nursery care, even if they emphasize rooming-in.
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Pacifier Policy: If you intend to use a pacifier, bring one from home, as Baby-Friendly hospitals generally do not provide them. Research indicates that early pacifier use doesn’t necessarily interfere with breastfeeding success, so feel empowered to choose what works best for you and your baby.
How to Prepare for a Baby-Friendly Hospital Experience
If you plan to deliver at a Baby-Friendly hospital, here are some steps you can take to prepare:
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Research the Hospital’s Policies: Understanding the specific policies at your chosen hospital can help you feel more prepared. Some Baby-Friendly hospitals may be more flexible than others, so ask questions during your hospital tour.
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Take a Breastfeeding Class: Many hospitals offer prenatal breastfeeding classes, which can be invaluable for first-time parents. Learning about breastfeeding techniques and understanding what to expect can increase your confidence.
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Communicate Your Preferences: A birth plan can be helpful in a Baby-Friendly hospital to outline your preferences, including your stance on formula, pacifiers, and rooming-in. Discuss these preferences with your doctor or midwife during prenatal visits.
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Utilize Lactation Support: If you plan to breastfeed, take advantage of the lactation support available. Ask for help with latching and positioning and be open to feedback from lactation consultants who can provide expert advice.
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Prepare for Postpartum Support: Ask about resources for postpartum breastfeeding support, including follow-up consultations or support groups. Knowing where to turn for help after discharge can ease the transition.
The Baby-Friendly Standard: Aiming for Healthier Outcomes
The Baby-Friendly initiative seeks to improve outcomes by encouraging breastfeeding and early bonding. Evidence supports that breastfeeding provides immune benefits, reduces certain health risks, and strengthens the parent-child bond. For mothers, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, lower rates of certain cancers, and promote faster postpartum recovery.
Even if you choose formula or face challenges breastfeeding, the Baby-Friendly standard can still offer valuable resources for bonding and post-birth support. Regardless of feeding method, the focus on bonding, early skin-to-skin contact, and rooming-in provides benefits that all parents can appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Delivering in a Baby-Friendly hospital offers a supportive environment where breastfeeding, bonding, and family-centered care are prioritized. By understanding what to expect, communicating your needs, and preparing in advance, you can make the most of this experience. Whether you’re committed to breastfeeding or prefer a combination of methods, a Baby-Friendly hospital can help you start your parenting journey with the support and resources you need.
