Abstract
An important determinant of the initiation of breastfeeding
and of its continuation in the first year of an infant’s
life is the mother’s experience in hospital (see ‘Factors
affecting breastfeeding practices: applying a conceptual
framework’ by Hector et al in this issue).
In recognition of the importance of the hospital experience
in determining future breastfeeding behaviour, the United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) developed in 1991 the Baby Friendly
Hospital Initiative.
This article introduces the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
and its introduction to Australia and describes the case
study of the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, which
is accredited as a Baby Friendly hospital.
