[Influence of the birth clinic on breastfeeding]

A decrease of breastfeeding culture could be observed since the 1950's. However in the 1980's the WHO and UNICEF began engaging in campaigns for breastfeeding since the benefits for mother and child are evident. In 1990 UNICEF set up the "10 steps to successful breastfeeding" that gave birth clinics around the world "guidelines" that would initiate an unproblematic breastfeeding relationship between mother and child. These guidelines can be understood as measures toward increasing staff motivation, training and instruction as well as actually helping parents and increasing their motivation. Further points cover the optimal beginning of breastfeeding and aspects of complementary feeding. Certification of departments by internationally renowned observers is a means of implementing and securing best quality breastfeeding encouragement in the birth clinics. The positive effects of this promotion on the ratio of mothers breastfeeding and thus in respect to childreńs health could be proved by randomised studies. The experience gained in the Obstetrical Department of the Vivantes Humboldt Clinic is described.