What Role Do U.S. Health Policy and Children's Hospitals Play in the Promotion of Breastfeeding and Human Milk Feeding?

摘要

In January 2011, the U.S. Surgeon General set forth a comprehensive call to action for the support of breastfeeding. This proposal of 20 specific guidelines expands on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding outlined in the joint World Health Organization/UNICEF statement and used by the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital (BFH) initiative, addressing key areas in our local, state, and governmental institutions in the promotion of breastfeeding. To date, only a small percentage of U.S. hospitals have met the criteria for the BFH designation. Why is this? The reasons are multifaceted; however, economics certainly plays an important role in the decision. Considerable staff training is involved, as are plan of care changes, not to mention the big elephant in the room, infant formula costs. Freestanding children's hospitals are not eligible for BFH status, although discussions are underway to change this exclusion. The primary area influenced by breastfeeding policies in a children's hospital is the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The promotion of breastfeeding and human milk feeding in the NICU can greatly improve health outcomes of preterm and critically ill neonates. The culture that permeates the children's hospital related to breastfeeding promotion has the potential to increase rates not only for patients, but also for employees.