The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Implementing the Process in New Zealand

Abstract

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global initiative jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UNICEF). The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has become the primary intervention strategy for strengthening the capacity of national health systems to protect and promote breastfeeding. WHO supports committees coordinating the BFHI process by placing particular emphasis on developing core groups of trainers, at national and regional levels developing reassessment and monitoring tools, to ensure the Initiative’s continued integrity and credibility and broadening the Initiative. This is a reflective paper that has documented the implementation of Baby Friendly Hospital (BFHI) in New Zealand. It describes the collaborative processes that were necessary to achieve such a goal and the sheer determinedness of a few. It demonstrates that with collegial passion and partnership, success and a political stance can be achieved from which health policy and reform can be directed. The International context is outlined simplistically with an explanation of the important documents and global initiatives which underpin the implementation of BFHI. The scientific evidence supporting the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding is documented so that the reader has an appreciation of the importance of BFHI and good health. Background to the implementation of BFHI in New Zealand has been acknowledged. This process has been observed by the international community and seen as inspirational. With ministerial commitment and support the international documents have been rewritten to fit our unique maternity system, presented to the New Zealand community and instituted into health reforms. To conclude this paper looks to the future, the establishment of a National Breastfeeding Committee, and implementation of the Baby Friendly Initiative into the community.