European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECTS OF BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL INITIATIVE ON BREAST-FEEDING PRACTICES IN MYMENSINGH

Neher Kana Mallick*, Dr. Progga Sarker Zenith, Dr. Roma Bijoy Sarker and Mst. Hosneara Khatun

ABSTRACT

Background: The Baby Friendly Initiative has increased breastfeeding rates, reduced complications and improved mother’s health care experiences. Breast-feeding is promoted internationally as the preferred method of feeding infants up to 4-6 months and continued up to two years with the addition of home cooked food. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in Mymensingh medical college hospital and Adhunik Sadar Hospital, Netrakona. A total of 402 participants took part in the study form from July 2018 to December 2018. Data were collected by face to face interview using semi structured questionnaire. Results: In BFHs 24% and in NBFHs 75% of the mothers have incorrect knowledge about initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Whereas the incorrect practice about initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth is found to be 1% in BFHs and 12% in NBFHs respectively. Therefore the mothers attending BFHs have more knowledge about initiation of breastfeeding in comparison that of non-BFHs. Conclusion: All hospitals and health care centers should be declared baby friendly according to the guidelines of WHO and UNICEF. Awareness raising campaign should be organized throughout the country from national level.

Keywords: Baby Friendly Hospital (BFH), Non-Baby Friendly Hospital (NBFH), Exclusive Breastfeeding, Malnutrition.