Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Quality improvement is paramount in the nursing profession today, and there is increased awareness and focus on implementing evidence-based practices into nursing care. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is an evidence-based program that promotes and protects exclusive breastfeeding by encouraging breast milk feeds to infants from the time of birth. This article will discuss the history and current state of breastfeeding in the United States as well as an evidence-based change model that can be used to implement the BFHI to change the status quo and future of breastfeeding in the United States. Physical benefits to the infant and mother as well as financial benefits to the mother, hospital, and global economy will also be addressed.

Keywords: baby-friendly hospital initiative; breastfeeding; breastmilk; evidence-based practice; feeding/nutrition; quality improvement.