Introduction
The journey of breastfeeding begins at birth, and the environment in which this journey starts can significantly impact its success. Recent research, as detailed in the study "Changes in maternity care policies and practices that support breastfeeding as measured by the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding — United States, 2018–2022," provides critical insights into how hospitals can enhance breastfeeding outcomes. This blog aims to guide practitioners in implementing these findings to improve their practices and encourage further research in this vital area.
Understanding the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, established by the WHO and UNICEF, are evidence-based hospital policies and practices designed to improve breastfeeding outcomes. These steps range from ensuring staff competency to supporting mothers with breastfeeding, and they have been shown to significantly influence breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.
Key Findings from the Research
Between 2018 and 2022, there were notable changes in the implementation of the Ten Steps across U.S. hospitals:
- Step 2: Staff Competency saw a 12 percentage point increase, highlighting the importance of skilled staff in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
- Step 5: Support Mothers with Breastfeeding increased by 8 percentage points, emphasizing the need for practical support for mothers.
- Step 6: Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Breastfed Infants experienced a decline of 7 percentage points, indicating a need for renewed focus on exclusive breastfeeding practices.
Overall, the percentage of hospitals implementing six or more of the Ten Steps rose from 44.0% in 2018 to 51.1% in 2022, reflecting a positive trend in maternity care practices.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their support for breastfeeding families. Here are some actionable steps:
- Invest in staff training to ensure all personnel are equipped to support breastfeeding effectively.
- Implement comprehensive written feeding policies that align with the Ten Steps to provide consistent support for breastfeeding families.
- Focus on reducing non-medically indicated formula supplementation to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates.
Encouraging Further Research
While significant progress has been made, the study highlights areas needing further exploration, such as the impact of hospital size and geographic location on breastfeeding support. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research efforts to address these gaps and contribute to the body of knowledge in maternity care practices.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding is crucial for improving breastfeeding outcomes. By adopting data-driven practices and encouraging ongoing research, practitioners can ensure that all families receive optimal support during the birth hospitalization. For a deeper understanding of the research findings, please refer to the original study: Changes in maternity care policies and practices that support breastfeeding as measured by the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding — United States, 2018–2022.
