Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
Implementing the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative: the role of finger feeding
1Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia 6872, Australia. wendyo@ichr.uwa.edu.au
The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of finger feeding in encouraging a breastfeeding-type suck in preterm infants. Through identification of a baby who was developing a suck technique or was discovered to have a faulty technique, we hypothesised that preterm breastfeeding rates could be increased by correcting the suck technique of the infant, whilst being cared for in the Special Care Nursery (SCN). The study was conducted on discharge from the SCN at two time periods, before and after the introduction of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in one hospital in Perth, Western Australia. Prior to BFHI, 44% of preterm infants were breastfed on discharge from the SCN compared to 71% post BFHI implementation. We have shown, using a pre- and post-breastfeeding health promotion initiative within a maternity hospital, that preterm breastfeeding rates can be increased on discharge from the SCN.
The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of finger feeding in encouraging a breastfeeding-type suck in preterm infants. Through identification of a baby who was developing a suck technique or was discovered to have a faulty technique, we hypothesised that preterm breastfeeding rates could be increased by correcting the suck technique of the infant, whilst being cared for in the Special Care Nursery (SCN). The study was conducted on discharge from the SCN at two time periods, before and after the introduction of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in one hospital in Perth, Western Australia. Prior to BFHI, 44% of preterm infants were breastfed on discharge from the SCN compared to 71% post BFHI implementation. We have shown, using a pre- and post-breastfeeding health promotion initiative within a maternity hospital, that preterm breastfeeding rates can be increased on discharge from the SCN.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Development of Human Microbiota
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...

