Standards and policies to strengthen breastfeeding at birthing facilities should be written. This feature is important to sustain unanimity of criteria in practices.
Furthermore, the policy should consider the 10 steps set forth by the World Health Organization for successful breastfeeding, i.e.
- available for consultation by all personnel
- visibly displayed in all areas of the hospital
- written in the language(s) most frequently understood by patients and staff.
- specifically designed for breastfeeding, with a focus on continuity of care, sensitive to the needs of both parents, and supportive of the engagement of both in the process.
The policy must be clear, consistent and sustained.
It is essential to promote the dissemination, exchange and analysis of the standards by personnel and to provide training to enable the uptake of new practices, leaving behind those considered inadequate.
It is essential to count on the commitment and cooperation of all the staff, especially authorities and management.
The incorporation of this type of policy requires processes within the organization; it may be advisable to create consensus-seeking multidisciplinary working groups.
It is also important to involve families and the community as a whole.
