The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are research-based practices that have been shown to help mothers and babies get off to a good start with breastfeeding. Hospitals working toward Baby-Friendly designation must follow these Ten Steps:
- Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
- Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
- Inform all pregnant women about benefits and management of breastfeeding.
- Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
- Show mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation, even if separated from their infants.
- Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.
- Practice “rooming in” which allows mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours/day.
- Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
- Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
- Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.