The development of the breastfeeding policy varies broadly; it should include breastfeeding experts and avoid commercial links with products and companies regulated by the International Code of Human Milk Substitutes.
A committee including high-level representation from all stakeholders may be appointed to develop the policy. Once the necessary agreements are reached, the committee should continue to monitor the proper implementation of the policy.
Management and the various departments must enforce the standards (inspection, supervision, training of the staff in charge).
It is important to involve not only the healthcare staff, but also families, the media and the community in general.
The effectiveness of a breastfeeding policy requires:
- Including all good practices in the policy
- Compliance by all the personnel
- Measuring and evaluating the results of the practices so as to implement actions for improvement based on feedback.
