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Baby-Friendly birth facilities have taken special steps to create the best possible environment for successful breastfeeing. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is an international program of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The Initiative celebrates hospitals and birth centers that have put in place policies and practices to enable parents to make informed choices about how they feed and care for their babies. Hospitals and birth centers that have implemented the Ten Steps create an optimal environment for the initiation of breastfeeding. What are the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding? The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are:
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| Why
breastfeeding makes a difference Breastfeeding offers an unmatched beginning for our children. Providing infants with human milk gives them the most complete nutrition possible. Human milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for each baby to thrive. Scientific studies have shown us that breastfed children have fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including reduced risk of SIDS and less childhood cancer and diabetes. Mothers who choose to breastfeed are healthier. Recent studies show that women who breastfeed enjoy decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis. They are empowered by their ability to provide complete nourishment for their babies. Both mother and baby enjoy the emotional benefits of the very special and close relationship formed through breastfeeding. Families who breastfeed save money. In addition to the fact that breast milk is free, breastfeeding provides savings on health care costs and related time lost to care for sick children. Because breastfeeding saves money, fathers feel less financial pressure and take pride in knowing they are able to give their babies the very best. Communities reap the benefits of breastfeeding. Research shows that there is less absenteeism from work among breastfeeding families. Resources used to feed those in need can be stretched further when mothers choose to give their babies the gift of their own milk rather than a costly artificial substitute. Families who breastfeed have more money available to purchase goods and services, thereby benefiting the local economy. Research also shows that breastfed babies have higher IQ scores, as well as better brain and nervous system development. When babies are breastfed, both mother and baby are healthier throughout their lives. This translates to lower health care costs and reduces the financial burden on families and third party payers, as well as on community and government medical programs. The environment benefits when babies are breastfed. Although we live in a polluted world, scientists agree that breast milk is still the very best way to nourish our babies, and may even protect babies from some of the effects of pollution. Breastfeeding uses none of the tin, paper, plastic, or energy necessary for preparing, packaging, and transporting artificial baby milks. Since there is no waste in breastfeeding, each breastfed baby cuts down on our pollution and garbage disposal problems. In addition, research shows that exclusive breastfeeding naturally spaces pregnancies. |
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