Knowledge Hub

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global effort promoting the Ten Steps to support breastfeeding in maternity-care facilities. This study included 86 studies conducted in 43 countries. 

Effect of BFHI on breastfeeding outcomes

• BFHI implementation positively impacts breastfeeding outcomes. 

• • Higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (≤ 3 months and 3–6 months) 

• • Higher rates of any breastfeeding  (≤ 3 months, 3–6 months and at > 6 months) 

• Even if full implementation is not possible, partial implementation also correlates with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates. 

• • Definition of "partial implementation":
    • In the process of implementation 

• • • Received BFHI training 

Influencing factors of BFHI: Years of accredited BFHI status

• Hospitals with longer durations of BFHI accreditation tend to have higher compliance.  

• Compliance may decline over time → a need for on-going support and monitoring.  

• The process of obtaining accreditation can effectively improve breastfeeding outcomes. 

Full article

Fan YW, Fan HSL, Shing JSY, Ip HL, Fong DYT, Lok KYW. Impact of baby-friendly hospital initiatives on breastfeeding outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Women Birth. 2025 Feb 6;38(2):101881. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.101881. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39919651.