The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative: A case study from NSW

Abstract

An important determinant of the initiation of breastfeeding and of its continuation in the first year of an infant’s life is the mother’s experience in hospital (see ‘Factors affecting breastfeeding practices: applying a conceptual framework’ by Hector et al in this issue). In recognition of the importance of the hospital experience in determining future breastfeeding behaviour, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) developed in 1991 the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. This article introduces the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and its introduction to Australia and describes the case study of the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, which is accredited as a Baby Friendly hospital.