Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/the-breastfeeding-friendly-child-care-initiative/5022158/
The notion that ‘breast is best’ is generally agreed upon in the child care profession. Breastfeeding has been conclusively validated to positively impact both short- and long-term health and development of humans. Interestingly enough however, despite the fact that early childhood practitioners have access to a mass of information that speaks to the benefits of breastfeeding, many of us are not sufficiently equipped to educate and support families to follow the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), which advocates for “exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and for at least 2 years and beyond” (Horta et al., 2007, p. 3). Early childhood professionals are in a prime position to advocate for breastfeeding as we build trusting relationships with families that afford us opportunities to share resources, offer encouragement, and create child care environments that are breastfeeding friendly.The Breastfeeding-Friendly Hospital Initiative
In 1991 The Breastfeeding-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was designed by WHO and UNICEF to rid hospitals of their dependence on formula and to encourage maternity services to create pro-breastfeeding environments. As a result of this initiative, the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding document was created and now governs practices in maternity wards in many areas of the world. In reflection of ...