BABY FRIENDLY HOSPITAL INITIATIVE WAS LUNCHED IN 1992 , AS PART OF INNOCINTIVE DECLARATION ON BREASTFEEDING THE HISTORIC INNOCENTIVE DECLARATION

ON THE PROMOTION , PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF BREASTFEEDING WAS PRODUCED AND ADAPTED BY PARTICIPANTS AT THE WHO/UNICEF POLICY MAKER.

Goal of declaration included a call to various governments in the world to act and create an environment for exclusive breastfeeding from birth of the baby till 4-6 months old.

Have written breastfeeding policy , that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement these policy. Inform all pregnant women about the benefit and management of breastfeeding. Help mothers to initiate breastfeeding with an hour of birth.

Show mother how to breastfed and how to maintain lactation even they separated from their infant. Give newborn infants no food other than breast milk , unless medically indicated. Practice rooming in . Allow mother and infants to remain together 24 hrs a day. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.

Give no artificial teats or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from hospital or clinic.

Besides promotion of breastfeeding , baby friendly hospital initiative in India also purposes to provide:

Improved antenatal care Mother friendly delivery services. Standardized institutional support of immunization Diarrhoea management

Promotion of healthy growth and good nutrition. Widespread availability and adoption of family planning.