Towards a Baby-friendly Hospital—Innovation in Midwifery Practice

Abstract

Breastfeeding is globally recognised as the optimal feeding to nourish and nurture infants. World Health Organization develops the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) for breastfeeding support. The BFHI contributes to improving the exclusive breastfeeding worldwide and, coupled with support throughout the health system, can help mothers sustain exclusive breastfeeding. Although the breastfeeding initiation has achieved a substantial increase since last decade in Hong Kong, the exclusive breastfeeding prevalence is below the WHO recommendation. Increasing breastfeeding exclusivity and duration are global public health imperatives. Midwives play a key role to strengthen breastfeeding and enhance mothers’ confidence in breastfeeding. We implement innovative evidence-based midwifery care on infant feeding education, mother-baby friendly childbirth practices and develop integrated infant feeding service. Although various challenges are faced in the journey of baby-friendly initiatives, midwives work collaboratively with other stakeholders to uphold the support policy and overcome barriers towards baby-friendly designation.