What does the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) aim to promote?

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) aims to promote optimal levels of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding, which are core principles of this initiative. The program encourages healthcare facilities to implement practices that support breastfeeding, including providing mothers with the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding. This approach not only promotes breastfeeding but also fosters a strong bond between mother and baby, which is crucial for the emotional and physical well-being of both. The focus of BFHI is on creating a supportive environment that empowers mothers and ensures newborns receive the best possible start in life through breastfeeding.

The emphasis on mother/baby bonding and informed infant feeding practices is central to the objectives of the initiative, making this the correct choice. Other options, while they may touch on aspects of maternal and infant health, do not encapsulate the primary aim of BFHI as effectively as the promotion of optimal care for infant feeding and nurturing relationships.