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[Maternity ward routines in Barcelona]
C J González Rodríguez1, L Catalá i Ferrer, E Trias i Folch
1Catalana Pro Alletament Matern (ACPAM), Barcelona.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Compliance with WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding guidelines is alarmingly low in Barcelona maternity wards. Immediate improvements are crucial to protect mothers
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Context:
- Assessment of 21 maternity wards in Barcelona.
- Evaluation of adherence to WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding guidelines.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the degree of compliance with WHO/UNICEF guidelines for breastfeeding protection.
- To identify areas needing immediate improvement in maternity care practices.
Summary:
- Breastfeeding initiation within the first hour post-birth occurs in only 2 hospitals.
- Demand feeding is encouraged in only 5 cases.
- Rooming-in (newborns with mothers all day) is practiced in 6 wards.
- Exclusive breastfeeding support is lacking, with water/dextrose given to newborns in 1 hospital.
- Pacifier use is discouraged in only 2 hospitals.
- Free formula milk supplies from industry are prevalent, with only 2 hospitals not receiving them.
Impact:
- Significant gaps exist in implementing recommended breastfeeding support practices.
- Maternity care policies require urgent revision to align with international breastfeeding standards.
- Protecting the mother's right to breastfeed necessitates immediate changes in hospital protocols and industry relations.