title: Improving hospital breastfeeding policies in New York State: development of the model hospital breastfeeding policy.
abstract: The public health importance of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, is gaining increased recognition. Despite a strong evidence base that key hospital maternity practices (Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding) impact breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity in the hospital and breastfeeding duration post-discharge, they are not widely implemented. In 2009, written hospital breastfeeding policies were collected from all New York State (NYS) hospitals providing maternity care services (n=139). A systematic assessment of the policies found that, on average, approximately half (19/32) the components required under NYS hospital regulations were included. Inclusion of each of the Ten Steps varied from 14% to 98%. An evidence-based Model Hospital Breastfeeding Policy was developed that included required components (based on NYS hospital regulations and legislation) and recommendations from expert groups such as the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, Baby Friendly USA, Inc., and the United States Breastfeeding Committee. Improved hospital breastfeeding policies are a critical first step in improving hospital maternity care to better promote, support, and protect breastfeeding. Additional efforts throughout health care, the workplace, and the broader community will be required to make breastfeeding the norm.
authors.affiliation: Bureau of Chronic Disease Evaluation and Research, Division of Chronic Disease Prevention, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12237, USA. bah09@health.ny.gov
authors.forename: Bethany A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Hawke
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Dennison
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hisgen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D011247:Pregnancy; D016730:Program Development; D011639:Public Opinion; D012944:Social Support