[Experiences with introduction of the UNICEF program "10 steps for successful breast feeding"]

UNICEF's program "The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative" launched in 1990 has met with some criticism in various places of Central Europe, since breast-feeding has already reached a high level in these areas. Despite that fact the Hospital Limmattal decided to introduce the program. Although the frequency of breast-feeding had attained over 90% at discharge from our clinic before the program was introduced, it could be further improved after four months. Prior to the introduction of the 10-step initiative, 56% (103) of the mothers had still been fully breast-feeding their babies after four months (82 women had completely or partially weaned their babies, 54 women did not respond). After the introduction the number of fully breast-feeding mothers rose to 61% (129) (83 women had partially or completely weaned their babies, 27 did not respond). Chi-square test: p = 0.01. At present the frequency of breast-feeding at clinical discharge is 97% (92% full breast-feeding); in 83% tea is also fed during childbed (50% thereof with less than the total of 50 ml), 66% of the babies can do without pacifiers, and in 82% the use of the bottle is superfluous. The combination of individual care with the introduction of the 10-step initiative has certainly rendered work in the maternity ward more demanding, but also more satisfactory owing to the staff's improved competence.