[Organizational change: the implementation of children-friendly hospitals]

Empirical evidences have pointed out the relevant role of breastfeeding to diminish infantile mortality. Children-friendly Hospitals (IHAC) is a worldwide action developed by the United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF and by the World Health Organization, aiming to promote, protect and support breastfeeding and also prevent precocious weaning. The aim of the present study is to identify the main organizational changes which occurred in two hospitals, located in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil that implemented IHAC. The organizational analysis carried out was based upon six perspectives, according to Motta's analytical chart that includes: strategic, structural, cultural, human, technological and political perspectives. A qualitative research was carried out, by using as a data gathering method the semi-structured interview, applied in all hierarchical levels. In order to interpret data, it was adopted the content analysis. In both cases, it could be concluded that the implementation of IHAC resulted in changes and improvement in the management of the organizations, due to the establishment of procedural patterns and staff training. It was verified that the cultural and technological changes occurred in a more intense manner and that the least perceived were the political and strategic changes.