Numerous studies have shown that the hospital maternity care experience influences breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity and duration and infant feeding behavior. In the U.S., the majority of women give birth in a hospital, and even though their stay is typically short, events during this time have a lasting impact. When hospitals ensure mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact, keep mother and newborn together, and do not give supplemental feedings to breastfed newborns unless medically indicated, successful lactation is more likely to be established and continued. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several practices that support breastfeeding success.
The Maternity Care Practices Initiative (MCPI) is a joint project of the BCW and the WA State Department of Health’s WIC program and Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention program. Through partnering with select hospital birthing facilities across the state, the aim of the MCPI is to work collaboratively with hospital personnel to ensure maternity care and infant nutrition practices and policies are evidence-based as a means of increasing breastfeeding rates.
The BCW is currently partnering with seven birthing hospitals in WA to enhance evidence-based infant nutrition and maternity care.
Partner Hospitals and Baby Friendly Hospitals
Many hospitals prioritize supporting breastfeeding success among mothers because
A) It reduces health risks for mother and baby;
B) It reduces health care costs; and
C) The majority of mothers do not breastfeed for the recommended six or more months.
Read here to learn more about the Maternity Care Practices Initiative and the support the BCW provides to partner hospitals.
Resources
2009 Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrtion and Care survey results for WA State
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine clinical protocols
Contact the BCW Program Manager for access to resources, tools, templates and model policies for Hospital Breastfeeding Quality Improvementand with any questions.
breastfeedingcoalition@withinreachwa.org, 206.281.8032
