An interdisciplinary multidepartmental educational program toward baby friendly hospital designation

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Maternal-Child Health
• Lactation Support

Background:

• Healthcare institutions seek Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) designation to improve breastfeeding support.
• BFHI Step 2 requires comprehensive staff education on breastfeeding practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement an educational program for supervised clinical experience to meet BFHI Step 2 requirements.
• To enhance staff knowledge and skills in supporting breastfeeding mothers and infants.

Main Methods:

• A 5-hour interdisciplinary educational program was developed based on identified learning needs.
• The program utilized five simulation stations: skin-to-skin contact, couplet care, breast milk expression, and common breastfeeding challenges.
• Staff participated in small groups, rotating through stations in 45-minute intervals.

Main Results:

• 250 staff members completed the educational program.
• An additional 54 nurses became certified breastfeeding counselors.
• Program evaluations indicated a strong preference for the active participation model.

Conclusions:

• The implemented educational program effectively enhanced staff preparedness for BFHI designation.
• The active learning model was highly favored by participants, improving the institution's progress toward becoming a Baby-Friendly hospital.