Application of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative to Neonatal Care: Suggestions by Swedish Mothers of Very Preterm Infants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain suggestions from mothers of very preterm infants regarding modification of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Thirteen mothers were interviewed 2 to 6 months after their infants' discharge from the hospital. The interviews generated 13 steps, which partly agree with the BFHI steps. The new steps address respect for mothers' individual decisions about breastfeeding, education of staff in specific knowledge and skills, antenatal information about lactation in the event of preterm birth, skin-to-skin (kangaroo mother) care, breast milk expression, early introduction of breastfeeding, facilitation of mothers' 24-hour presence in the hospital, preference for mother's own milk, semi-demand feeding before transition to demand breastfeeding, special benefits of pacifier sucking, alternative strategies for reduction of supplementation, use of bottle-feeding when indicated, a family-centered and supportive physical environment, support of the father's presence, and early transfer of infants' care to parents. J Hum Lact. 24(3):252-262.

El objetivo fue obtener sugerencias de madres de bebes muy prematuros en relación a las modificaciones de los 10 pasos para una lactancia exitosa de la Iniciativa Hospital Amigo del Niño (IHAN). Se entrevistaron 13 madres entre 2-6 meses después de que sus bebes salieran del hospital. Como resultado de las entrevistas se generaron 13 pasos, que estaban en acuerdo parcial con los pasos de la IHAN. Los pasos nuevos incluyeron: respeto a las decisiones individuales de las madres sobre la lactancia materna, educar al personal en habilidades y conocimientos específicos, información durante el prenatal sobre lactancia materna en caso de un nacimiento prematuro, método cuidado canguro (piel con piel) , extracción de leche materna, introducción temprana de lactancia materna, facilitar la estadía de las madres en el hospital durante 24 horas, preferir la leche de la propia madre, lactancia materna a semi-demanda durante la transición a lactancia a demanda, beneficios especiales de la succión del chupete, estrategias para reducir la suplementación, uso del biberón cuando sea indicado, facilitar un ambiente físico para la familia, apoyar la presencia del padre y referir tempranamente el cuidado del bebe a los padres.

Keywords

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative neonatal preterm infant Sweden breastfeeding

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