UPDATED PRINCIPLES OF THE NEWBORN FRIENDLY HOSPITAL BY THEWORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION IN 2018

Abstract

We have reviewed latest version of the guidance for implementing the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). Requirements for Baby- friendly hospitals were revised and updated in 2018 by World Health organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Updated Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are expected to be usefull for continuing well-rated practise or geting ready to become a Baby-friendly hospital. This updated guidance for those countries that currently have a well-functioning designation programme that is able to reach themajority of facilities providingmaternity and newborn services nationwide should not be viewed as a reason to discontinue a successful programme. Updated Ten Steps should be incorporated into the national BFHI standards.WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding be initiated within the first hour after birth, continued exclusively for the first 6 months of life and continued, with safe and adequate complementary foods, up to 2 years or beyond. Globally, a minority of infants and children meet these recommendations: only 44 proc. of infants initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and 40 proc. of all infants under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed. At 2 years of age, 45 proc. of children are still breastfeeding.