The influence of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) on breastfeeding indicators in Brazil was assessed using data from the Second Survey of Breastfeeding Prevalence, conducted in 2008. The data included details of 65,936 infants under the age of 1 year and across 64 municipalities. Outcomes of interest were breastfeeding in the first hour of life in infants under 1 year of age; exclusive breastfeeding on the first day after hospital discharge in infants under 4 months of age; exclusive breastfeeding in infants under 2, 3 and 6 months of age; and pacifier use in infants under 6 months of age. Statistical analyses were used to assess the influence of birth in a Baby Friendly hospital.
The researchers found that infants born in Baby Friendly hospitals were 9% more likely to be breastfed in the first hour of life and 6% more likely to be breastfed on the first day at home. Exclusive breastfeeding was 13%, 8% and 6% more likely in infants under the ages of 2, 3 and 6 months, respectively. Birth in a Baby Friendly hospital also correlated with significantly less pacifier use. They conclude that the BFHI has a positive impact on several indicators of breastfeeding.
Sonia Isoyama Venancio, Silvia Regina Dias Medici Saldiva, Maria Mercedes Loureiro Escuder et al (2011) The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative shows positive effects on breastfeeding indicators in Brazil. J Epidemiol Community Health. published 11 November 2011, 10.1136/jech-2011-200332
