Established Evidence Results

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, PATIENT_CONSUMER, Quality Improvement/Practice-Wide Intervention, Expert Support (Provider)

Intervention Description: The aims of Mississippi Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices (CHAMPS) were to (1) increase breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity and (2) decrease racial disparities in breastfeeding by increasing the number of Baby-Friendly hospitals in the state from 2014 to 2020.

Intervention Results: Between 2014 and 2020, the number of Baby-Friendly hospitals in Mississippi rose from 0 to 22. Breastfeeding initiation in the hospitals increased from 56% to 66% (P < .05), and the disparity between Black and White dyads decreased by 17 percentage points, an average of 0.176 percentage points each month (95% confidence interval: −0.060 to −0.292). Exclusivity increased from 26% to 37% (P < .05). Skin-to-skin and rooming-in rates increased significantly for all dyads: 31% to 91% (P < .01) for skin-to-skin after vaginal birth, 20% to 86% (P < .01) for skin-to-skin after cesarean delivery, and 19% to 86% (P < .01) for rooming-in.

Conclusion: Over the course of the CHAMPS program, there were significant increases in breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity, and decreases in racial inequities in breastfeeding initiation.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PROVIDER/PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Provider Training/Education

Intervention Description: Breastfeeding rates and related hospital practices need improvement in Italy and elsewhere.

Intervention Results: No statistically significant differences in both groups, before and after training, of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months

Conclusion: Training for at least three days with a course including practical sessions and counselling skills is effective in changing hospital practices, knowledge of health workers, and breastfeeding rates.

Study Design: QE: pretest-posttest time-lagged nonequivalent control group

Setting: 8 hospitals (3 general hospitals and 1 teaching hospital in southern Italy, 3 general hospitals and 1 teaching hospital in central and northern Italy)

Population of Focus: Women with healthy infants > 2000g

Data Source: Mother self-report

Sample Size: Group 1 • Phase 1 (n=529) • Phase 2 (n=515) • Phase 3 (n=516) Group 2 • Phase 1 (n=483) • Phase 2 (n=342) • Phase 3 (n=284)

Age Range: Not specified

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: Maternity care practices influence breastfeeding outcomes long after women leave the birth setting. We conducted this study to describe, from mothers' perspective, maternity care practices associated with breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months. Six study sites were either designated as Baby-Friendly or were in the process of achieving this designation.

Intervention Results: Our multisite study supports implementing low cost and evidence-based interventions such as immediate and uninterrupted SSC and rooming in to improve breastfeeding exclusivity.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the ongoing need to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and community breastfeeding support, including workplace accommodations.

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive replication study

Setting: Two large academic medical centers, one in the Northeast and two in the South-central region of the US, and two smaller teaching hospitals and community hospitals in the Northeast and South-central region of the US

Population of Focus: Women who gave birth during the data collection period at each study site

Sample Size: 672 women

Age Range: Women ages 18-48

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, , Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

Intervention Description: In October 2012, the Maryland State Department of Health launched the Maryland Hospital Breastfeeding Policy Recommendations, which included best practices in mother-baby care, and encouraged all birthing hospitals to adopt evidence-based practices to promote breastfeeding. In 2016, four Maryland hospitals were newly designated as Baby-Friendly and were located in southern, central, and northeastern Maryland. The study evaluated whether the receipt of specific Steps was associated with breastfeeding practices through 6 months in the Maryland WIC.

Intervention Results: Reported adherence to 10-Steps policies ranged from 10%–85% (lowest for Step 9, highest for Step 10) and only Step 9 (give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants) differed according to Baby-Friendly Hospital status. Greater exposure to the 10 Steps was positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization. The lack of perceived adherence to Step 6 (no food or drink other than human milk), Step 9, and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (no formula, bottles, or artificial nipples) significantly decreased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months.

Conclusion: Maternal perception of Baby-Friendly Step adherence was associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Study Design: Cross-sectional 2 group comparison study

Setting: WIC Program and community hospitals in southern, central, and northeastern Maryland

Population of Focus: Postpartum women recruited through WIC clinics

Sample Size: 182 women

Age Range: Mothers older than 18 years of age

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: (1) To compare maternal perceptions about maternity practices in Baby-Friendly Hospitals and non-Baby-Friendly Hospitals; (2) to evaluate the associations between degree of exposure to the Baby-Friendly 10 Steps and breastfeeding practices through the first 6 months; and (3) to evaluate whether the receipt of specific Steps was associated with breastfeeding practices through 6 months.

Intervention Results: Reported adherence to 10-Steps policies ranged from 10%–85% (lowest for Step 9, highest for Step 10) and only Step 9 (give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants) differed according to Baby-Friendly Hospital status. Greater exposure to the 10 Steps was positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization. The lack of perceived adherence to Step 6 (no food or drink other than human milk), Step 9, and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (no formula, bottles, or artificial nipples) significantly decreased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months.

Conclusion: Maternal perception of Baby-Friendly Step adherence was associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PROVIDER/PRACTICE, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Quality Improvement/Practice-Wide Intervention, Hospital Policies, Provider Training/Education

Intervention Description: To conduct a national quality improvement initiative between 2011 and 2015. The initiative was entitled Best Fed Beginnings and enrolled 90 hospitals in a nationwide initiative to increase breastfeeding and achieve Baby-Friendly designation.

Intervention Results: Overall breastfeeding increased from 79% to 83% (t = 1.93; P = .057), and exclusive breastfeeding increased from 39% to 61% (t = 9.72; P < .001).

Conclusion: A nationwide initiative of maternity care hospitals accomplished rapid transformative changes to achieve Baby-Friendly designation. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding.

Study Design: QE: pretest-posttest

Setting: 90 hospitals from 3 geographic regions

Population of Focus: Hospitals with low breastfeeding rates, readiness for change, establishment of a BabyFriendly/breastfeeding steering committee, data about sociodemographic characteristics of population served, geographic location based on regions with low breastfeeding rates and BFHI accreditation, commitment of senior leadership, and experience with quality improvement methods

Data Source: Medical record review

Sample Size: Intervention (N=89) N=hospitals

Age Range: Not specified

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Provider Training/Education, Quality Improvement/Practice-Wide Intervention, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: The Best Fed Beginnings (BFB) initiative was specifically aimed to enable 90 hospitals to earn Baby-Friendly USA assessment scheduled by the end of the collaborative project. Given the size of this initiative, BFB was conducted as 3 simultaneous Breakthrough Series collaborative projects comprising hospitals from 3 geographic regions. Hospitals assembled multidisciplinary teams that included parent partners and community representatives. Three in-person learning sessions were interspersed with remote learning and tests of change, and a Web-based platform housed resources and data for widespread sharing.

Intervention Results: By April 2016, a total of 72 (80%) of the 90 hospitals received the Baby-Friendly designation, nearly doubling the number of designated hospitals in the United States. Participation in the Best Fed Beginnings initiative had significantly high correlation with designation compared with hospital applicants not in the program (Pearson’s r [235]: 0.80; P < .01). Overall breastfeeding increased from 79% to 83% (t = 1.93; P = .057), and exclusive breastfeeding increased from 39% to 61% (t = 9.72; P < .001).

Conclusion: A nationwide initiative of maternity care hospitals accomplished rapid transformative changes to achieve Baby-Friendly designation. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding.

Study Design: Evaluation data

Setting: Hospitals nationwide

Population of Focus: Hospitals across the country seeking to achieve Baby-Friendly designation

Sample Size: 90 Baby-Friendly Hospitals

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Professional Support,

Intervention Description: We assessed the association between BF-related hospital practices (rooming-in, support from hospital staff, and provision of a pro-formula gift pack) and the odds of any or exclusive BF through 5 mo among infants and mothers enrolled in WIC.

Intervention Results: Rooming-in and strong hospital staff support were associated with higher odds of any BF at 1, 3, and 5 mo postpartum. Provision of a pro-formula gift pack was negatively associated with any BF at all time points and with exclusive BF at 1 mo. Each additional BF-friendly hospital practice experienced was associated with 47% to 85% higher odds of any BF over the first 5 mo and 31% to 36% higher odds of exclusive BF over the first 3 mo.

Conclusion: Exposure to BF-friendly hospital practices was associated with BF beyond the hospital stay. Expanding BF-friendly policies at the hospital could increase BF rates in the United States WIC-served population.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Baby Friendly Hospital (BFH) designation in Maryland improved breastfeeding practices among Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants.

Intervention Results: From pre to post intervention no differences in breastfeeding initiation or any breastfeeding at 6 months were attributable to BFH status. There was some evidence that BFH designation in 2016 was associated with an absolute percent change of 2.4% (P = 0.09) for any breastfeeding at 3 months.

Conclusion: Few differences in breastfeeding outcomes among WIC participants were attributable to delivery in a BFH. Results from this study inform policy about maternity practices impacting WIC breastfeeding outcomes. More study needed to determine the impact of BFH delivery on differences in breastfeeding outcomes between sub-groups of women.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: We sought to evaluate posthospital breastfeeding outcomes among women who deliver at a baby friendly hospital (BFH) by (1) estimating exclusive breastfeeding rates at the postpartum visit (PPV), (2) quantifying the exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation rate, and (3) identifying which factors are associated with breastfeeding discontinuation.

Intervention Results: At hospital discharge, 71.1% of the participants were EBF, 21.7% were CF, and 7.2% were EFF. At the PPV, the frequency of the primary outcome of EBF was 31.6% (95% confidence interval: 25.2–38.8); 34.6% (28.0–41.9) were CF, and 33.8% (27.3–41.1) were EFF. Therefore, the EBF absolute and relative discontinuation rates were 39.5% and 55.6%, respectively. No demographic factors, delivery characteristics, or maternal medical morbidities were associated with EBF in the multivariable logistic regression. However, women in the EBF group were more likely to report a workplace environment conducive to breastfeeding and partner and friend support.

Conclusion: Significant breastfeeding discontinuation rates occur even among women who deliver at a BFH. Our findings suggest that multifactorial interventions, including a focus on the prevention of formula introduction, are needed in the early postpartum period to achieve higher EBF rates at the PPV.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: This study examines changes in Baby-Friendly hospital practices, breastfeeding outcomes, and their relationships with Baby-Friendly hospital status among WIC-enrolled children in Los Angeles County.

Intervention Results: In 2017, mothers surveyed were more likely to engage in Baby-Friendly hospital practices compared with 2008. Any and exclusive breastfeeding outcomes at 1 and 3 months significantly increased since 2014, and breastfed infants were more likely to have mothers who participated in Baby-Friendly hospital practices. The more Baby-Friendly hospital practices mothers met, the better the breastfeeding outcomes. However, there is room for improvement in the uptake of Baby-Friendly hospital practices in Baby-Friendly hospitals.

Conclusion: Effort is needed to ensure Baby-Friendly hospitals have support to continuously comply with all steps to maintain Baby-Friendly designation, and non-Baby-Friendly hospitals have support to incorporate these practices into hospital protocols.

Study Design: Triennial cross-sectional survey

Setting: Los Angeles County hospitals

Population of Focus: Infants born in Los Angeles County hospitals, no older than 2 years of age at the time of the survey whose mothers were interviewed

Sample Size: 6,449 infants and their mothers

Age Range: Infants under 2 years of age

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Provider Training/Education, Expert Support (Provider),

Intervention Description: In 2010, the Hawaii State Department of Health received support from the CDC to launch the Baby-Friendly Hawaii Project to increase the number of Hawaii hospitals that provide maternity care consistent with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and increase the rate of women who remain exclusively breastfeeding throughout their hospital stay. The BFHP employed six strategies based on a model developed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: engage hospitals, enlist support, recruit champions, assess hospitals, conduct site visits and trainings, and monitor outcomes. Populations targeted for BFHP were registered nurses, lactation consultants, and other hospital staff, as well as expectant mothers at all 11 Hawaii maternity hospitals during the project period.

Intervention Results: Since 2010, 52 hospital site visits, 58 trainings, and ongoing technical assistance were administered, and more than 750 staff and health professionals from BFHP hospitals were trained. Hawaii’s overall quality composite Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care score increased from 65 (out of 100) in 2009 to 76 in 2011 and 80 in 2013, and Newborn Screening Data showed an increase in statewide exclusive breastfeeding from 59.7% in 2009 to 77.0% in 2014.

Conclusion: Implementation and findings from the BFHP can inform future planning at the state and federal levels on maternity care practices that can improve breastfeeding.

Study Design: Program evaluation

Setting: Maternity hospitals in Hawaii

Population of Focus: Registered nurses, lactation consultants, and other hospital staff and expectant mothers at all 11 Hawaii maternity hospitals

Sample Size: 750 staff and health professionals

Age Range: N/A

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: To evaluate the impact of transition to Baby-Friendly certification on underserved populations at the University of New Mexico hospital. The journey towards Baby Friendly designation proceeded in four phases. The study team examined inpatient breastfeeding related clinical practices and short-term breastfeeding duration rates among patients of the midwifery service during the transition to Baby Friendly status. The purpose was twofold: (a) to evaluate the impact of BFHI implementation on the short-term duration of both any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding, and (b) to determine the impact of exposure to the inpatient Ten Steps on short-term breastfeeding duration, both individually and cumulatively.

Intervention Results: Implementation of the BFHI and cumulative exposure to the Ten Steps increased short-term duration of any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding at 2-6 weeks postpartum. Exposure to all six of the inpatient Ten Steps increased the odds of any breastfeeding by 34 times and exclusive breastfeeding by 24 times. Exposure to Step 9 (“Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples”) uniquely increased the likelihood of any breastfeeding at 2-6 weeks postpartum by 5.7 times, whereas Step 6 (“Give infants no food or drink other than breastmilk”) increased the rate of exclusive breastfeeding by 4.4 times at 2-6 weeks postpartum.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative can have a positive impact on breastfeeding among underserved populations.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental, retrospective cohort design

Setting: University of New Mexico Hospital

Population of Focus: Mother-baby pairs pre-BFHI and post-BFHI delivering at the hospital

Sample Size: 1004 mother-infant pairs (449 in the pre-BFHI cohort & 555 in the post-BFHI cohort)

Age Range: Mothers age 20-33 and their infants at 2-6 weeks postpartum

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Other Education

Intervention Description: Identify practices associated with breastfeeding maintenance, examine breastfeeding-related hospital practices by hospital designation level (Baby Friendly vs. Gift vs. none), and assess racial disparities in hospital practices and breastfeeding maintenance.

Intervention Results: Breastfeeding in the hospital, infant only receiving breast milk, and breastfeeding within one hour after birth were positively associated and receiving a gift pack with formula was negatively associated with breastfeeding maintenance in both NHW and NHB women. Associations were stronger in NHW compared to NHB mothers.

Conclusion: We identified several practices significantly associated with breastfeeding maintenance. However, racial disparities indicate a need for population-specific supportive practices.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PATIENT_CONSUMER, Educational Material, Professional Support, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, COMMUNITY, Individual Supports,

Intervention Description: The Westside Healthy Start Program (WHS), located in Chicago, Illinois, developed an ongoing multilevel approach to breastfeeding promotion. Key elements of the WHS breastfeeding model include individual education and counseling from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum and partnership with a local safety-net hospital to implement the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and provide lactation support to delivering patients. All WHS participants receive general breastfeeding education from case managers throughout pregnancy (such as information about breastfeeding benefits) and one face-to-face visit from a BFC in the third trimester for more personalized and comprehensive support. WHS collaborates with the largest delivering hospital in the service area, a safety-net provider, to improve the breastfeeding environment and systems of care.

Intervention Results: In the year our model was implemented, 44.6% (49/110) of prenatal WHS participants reported that they planned to breastfeed, and 67.0% (183/273) of delivered partici- pants initiated. Among participants reaching 6 months postpartum, 10.5% (9/86) were breastfeeding. WHS also had 2667 encounters with women delivering at our partner hospital during breastfeeding rounds, with 65.1% of contacts initiating. Community data was not available to assess the efficacy of our model at the local level. However, WHS participants fared better than all delivering patients at our partner hospital, where 65.0% initiated in 2015.

Conclusion: Healthy Start programs are a promising vehicle to improve breastfeeding initiation at the individual and community level. Additional evaluation is necessary to understand barriers to duration and services needed for this population.

Study Design: Evaluation data

Setting: Westside Healthy Start program located in Chicago, IL

Population of Focus: Low-income, African-American women who are pregnant

Sample Size: 652 women

Age Range: Women <17 to 45 years old

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: The environment in which a women gives birth may be an important determinant of breastfeeding initiation. The impact of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is not well characterized in the southeastern region of the US where significant breastfeeding disparities persist. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the BFHI on breastfeeding initiation in North Carolina, with special attention to rural areas.

Intervention Results: Birth at a Baby-Friendly hospital was associated with increased odds of breastfeeding initiation, adjusted odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [1.65, 1.89]. Model residuals showed significant clustering by county, with some rural areas’ rates systematically overestimated. Whereas presence of a Baby-Friendly hospital in a mother’s community of residence was not associated with increased initiation, birth at a Baby-Friendly hospital was associated with smaller disparities in initiation between rural and urban births.

Conclusion: Birth at a Baby-Friendly hospital is associated with improved breastfeeding initiation and reduced disparities in initiation between rural and urban counties in North Carolina.

Study Design: Secondary data analysis

Setting: Hospitals in North Carolina

Population of Focus: Mothers with North Carolina residence delivering in a hospital

Sample Size: 137,738 women

Age Range: Mothers older than 18 years of age

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for a proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed during a 6-month period, including breastfeeding problems, and maternal breastfeeding attitudes.

Intervention Results: The implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative had no effect on the proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed, and we found no significant differences in exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (41.3 % vs 52.9 %, p =.435). The intervention did not influence the reported number of breastfeeding problems (p =.260) or maternal breastfeeding attitudes (p =.354). More favourable breastfeeding attitudes (p <.001) and less problematic breastfeeding (p <.001) were associated positively with exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding rates did not increase after the intervention; however, the rates at baseline were already high. Ensuring the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative practices through pre- and postnatal periods and preparing mothers to manage common breastfeeding problems might improve breastfeeding rates.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: To determine healthcare professionals’ breastfeeding attitudes and hospital practices before and after the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Intervention Results: The healthcare professionals’ breastfeeding attitude scores increased significantly after the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, difference = 0.16, (95% CI [0.13, 0.19]) and became breastfeeding favorable among all professional groups in each study unit. Positive changes in breastfeeding-supportive hospital practices were achieved. The infants had significantly more frequent immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with their mothers. The rate of early breastfeeding, as well as the number of exclusively breastfed infants, increased.

Conclusion: After the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for neonatal wards (Neo-BFHI) interventions were concluded, we found significant improvements in the breastfeeding attitudes of healthcare professionals and in breastfeeding-related care practices.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Provider Training/Education, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HOSPITAL, Policy/Guideline (Hospital)

Intervention Description: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's fund, is a global program aimed at promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding. Hospitals in the BFHI community must develop clear policies related to staff training and breastfeeding promotion from pregnancy until hospital discharge following childbirth. The aim of this study was to compare women in non-BFHI-accredited hospitals in a socio-economically homogeneous region of southern Italy (Campania region) with a "baby-friendly hospital," as recognized by UNICEF, in Verbania in the Piedmont region of northern Italy (Castelli Hospital) in terms of 1) breastfeeding in the days following childbirth; 2) the information provided by health personnel before and after childbirth; 3) knowledge about breastfeeding before and during hospitalizations; and 4) participation in antenatal classes.

Intervention Results: In general, both groups showed good basic knowledge about different aspects of breastfeeding. In both regions, about 90% reported that the information received during the antenatal classes simplified the breastfeeding experience.

Conclusion: Our study confirms the importance of systematic promotion of breastfeeding and subsequent delivery of adequate support to maternity departments, in accordance with international guidelines.

Study Design: Evaluation data

Setting: Ten accredited and non-accredited hospitals in the Piedmont region of northern Italy

Population of Focus: Women receiving care at the ten participating hospitals

Sample Size: 786 women (580 in Campania + 206 women in Piedmont)

Age Range: Not reported

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Quality Improvement/Practice-Wide Intervention, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE

Intervention Description: Using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework, this study assessed CHAMPS, which used a Quality Improvement intervention at hospitals, and engaged intensively with local community partners.

Intervention Results: Average hospital breastfeeding initiation rates rose from 56% to 66% (p < 0.05), the proportion of hospitals designated Baby-Friendly or attaining the final stages thereof rose from 15% to 90%, and 80% of Mississippi Special Supplemental Programme for Women, Infants, and Children districts engaged with CHAMPS. CHAMPS also maintains a funded presence in Mississippi, and all designated hospitals have maintained Baby-Friendly status. These findings show that a breastfeeding-focused public health initiative using broad-based strategic programming involving multiple stakeholders and a range of evaluation criteria can be successful.

Conclusion: More breastfeeding promotion and support programmes should assess their wider impact using evidence-based implementation frameworks.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: (1) To determine the breastfeeding rate during the first 6 months of life in children of mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 infection at the time of birth; and (2) to assess the possible influence of being born in a center with Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative accreditation.

Intervention Results: A total of 117 (47.3%) newborns were born in Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accredited centers. These centers applied skin-to-skin contact with greater probability (OR = 1.9; 95% CI [1.18, 3.29]) and separated the newborns from their mothers less frequently (OR = 0.46; 95% CI [0.26, 0.81]) than non-accredited centers. No differences were observed in relation to the presence of a companion at the time of birth. At discharge, 49.1% (n = 57) of newborns born in BFHI-accredited centers received exclusive breastfeeding versus 35.3% (n = 46) in non-accredited centers (p = .03). No differences were observed in breastfeeding rates throughout follow-up.

Conclusion: The exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge in children of mothers with COVID-19 infection at birth was higher in Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative accredited centers, which most frequently applied skin-to-skin contact at birth as well as rooming-in.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: A recent effort exists to increase the number of Baby-Friendly designated hospitals in Los Angeles County (LAC). At the time that data for this study were collected (August 2014), 16 hospitals had obtained the designation. Sixteen months later (December 2015), another 11 joined the ranks, bringing the total number of Baby-Friendly designated hospitals in LAC to 27. With such a drastically changing scene in birthing hospitals, it is important to document whether there have been corresponding increases in Baby-Friendly hospital practices in LAC and whether being born in a Baby-Friendly designated hospital is associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes in the low-income population in the county.

Intervention Results: The rates of Baby-Friendly hospital practices have improved since 2008. Although no association existed with rates of any breastfeeding, being born in a hospital designated Baby-Friendly or in the process of obtaining this designation was significantly associated with an increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 3 months.

Conclusion: The BFHI may help achieve recommended exclusive breastfeeding rates, especially for low-income populations. Additional strategies are needed to support low-income mothers in LAC with all levels of breastfeeding.

Study Design: Parent reported phone survey

Setting: Los Angeles County hopsitals

Population of Focus: 5,000 WIC families living in Los Angeles County completing the LAC WIC survey

Sample Size: 4,873 infants

Age Range: Infants under 2 years of age

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): PROVIDER/PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

Intervention Description: Breastfeeding initiation rates were compared at Boston Medical Center before (1995), during (1998), and after (1999) Baby-Friendly policies were in place.

Intervention Results: Breastfeeding initiation rates increased significantly from 58% in 1995, to 77.5% in 1998, to 86.5% in 1999 (p<.001)

Conclusion: Full implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding leading to Baby-Friendly designation is an effective strategy to increase breastfeeding initiation rates in the US hospital setting.

Study Design: Time trend analysis

Setting: Boston Medical Center

Population of Focus: Infants admitted to the newborn service at Boston Medical Center for 1995, 1998, and 1999

Data Source: Medical record review

Sample Size: 1995 (n=200) 1998 (n=200) 1999 (n=200)

Age Range: Not specified

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, ,

Intervention Description: To examine the influence of the BFHI on breastfeeding by comparing breastfeeding outcomes in a study cohort recruited before the implementation of the BFHI and a cohort recruited after its implementation.

Intervention Results: A higher proportion of participants from the post-implementation cohort breastfed and breastfed exclusively at all follow-up periods. Participants in the pre-BFHI cohort, on average experienced 3.10 (SD = 1.42) of the BFHI steps, whereas the participants in the post-BFHI cohort experienced 3.59 (1.09) of the BFHI steps. Half of the participants discontinued any breastfeeding by 13 weeks in the pre-BFHI cohort; more than half in the post-BFHI cohort were still breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum (p < .001). Giving only human milk in the first 48 hr of delivery and not providing pacifiers or bottles were associated with lower risk of not exclusive breastfeeding in both cohorts.

Conclusion: Implementation of the BFHI was associated with improvements in breastfeeding practices and outcomes.

Intervention Components (click on component to see a list of all articles that use that intervention): HEALTH_CARE_PROVIDER_PRACTICE, Hospital Policies, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative,

Intervention Description: The study team examined whether Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation in the past, as indicated by a former BFH designation, had a sustained impact on national breastfeeding rates and duration and that breastfeeding success remains particularly high when BFHs comply closely with monitored BF practices.

Intervention Results: We compared exclusive and any breastfeeding according to BFH designation over the first year of life, using Kaplan-Meyer Survival curves. Logistic regression models were applied to analyse breastfeeding prevalence, and Cox-regression models were used for exclusive (0–6 months) and continued (6–12 months) breastfeeding duration. Average duration of exclusive breastfeeding (13.1 weeks, 95% confidence interval [12.0, 17.4]) and any breastfeeding (32.7 weeks, 95% confidence interval [30.5, 39.2]) were the longest for babies born in currently accredited BFHs. Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with high compliance with monitored BF practices in current BFHs and with the number of BF practices experienced in all hospitals. Continued breastfeeding was significantly longer when babies were born in current BFHs (cessation hazard ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval [0.42, 0.84]) or in former BFHs (cessation hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval [0.48, 0.97]).

Conclusion: Overall, the results support continued investment into BFHs, because babies born in current BFHs are breastfed the most and the longest, whereas a former BFH designation shows a sustained effect on continued breastfeeding.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Setting: Baby-Friendly hospitals in Switzerland

Population of Focus: Mother-child dyads randomly selected by Swiss Parent Counselors from a list of births registered in the previous 11 months

Sample Size: 1,326 mother-child dyads

Age Range: Infants under 12 months and their mothers