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Status of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Neonatal Units
1Dr Khursheda Akhtar, Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Mugda Medical College, Mugda, Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Insights
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in Dhaka
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Public health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal units are critical areas where infant health outcomes are paramount.
- Promoting breastfeeding is crucial for reducing child morbidity and mortality.
- The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a key strategy for supporting breastfeeding in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the implementation status of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in neonatal units of public hospitals in Dhaka.
- To identify adherence to BFHI criteria within these neonatal units.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from July to December 2014.
- Data were collected from 137 participants, including 70 caregivers and 67 healthcare providers, in tertiary public hospitals in Dhaka.
- The study focused on hospitals declared as Baby Friendly.
Main Results:
- All discharged infants in the past month were exclusively breastfed.
- While all hospitals had written breastfeeding policies, only 41.48% of staff received BFHI training.
- Only 31.34% of staff actively assisted with breastfeeding (Step 5), though Steps 6 and 9 (no pacifiers/teats, no unnecessary food/drink) were fully met.
Conclusions:
- Despite policies and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, significant gaps exist in staff training and practical support for breastfeeding in Dhaka's public hospital neonatal units.
- Further training and motivation are needed for healthcare providers to fully implement BFHI standards and optimize breastfeeding support.
Abstract:
Neonatal unit is more vulnerable and critical ward than any others. To assure breastfeeding in neonatal unit is one of the ways to reduce child morbidity and mortality. Baby friendly hospital initiative is the best method in hospital setting to assure breastfeeding. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from July 2014 to December 2014 to find out the Status of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in neonatal unit of different public hospitals. The study area was consisting of several tertiary level hospitals in Dhaka city. Study was done in those hospital where declared as Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Total 137 data was collected from care givers (70) and healthcare providers (67). From hospital data it was found that all children discharged for last month were exclusively breastfed. Written breastfeeding policy was present in all hospitals but out of 67 staffs only 28(41.48%) staffs received training which was not fulfillment of the requirement of Global Criteria of UNICEF/WHO (BFHI External Assessment and Reassessment). In step 5 only 21(31.34%) staffs show or offered help for breastfeeding. In step 6 and 9 there were 100% fulfill the requirements, no teats and pacifier was found, no use of foods or drinks except medications. Nurses were co-operative but due to lack of training and motivation they were not fully aware about the importance of breastfeeding.
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