Infant feeding and institutional compliance with the WHO/UNICEF baby-friendly initiative: an assessment through maternal experience
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 inf...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
2014
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| Online Access: | https://research.library.mun.ca/6279/ https://research.library.mun.ca/6279/1/THESIS,%20Fullerton,%20Laura_PDFa.pdf |
| Summary: | 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. |
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