What type of feeding is most encouraged for newborns in Baby-Friendly Hospitals?

Exclusive breastfeeding is the type of feeding most encouraged for newborns in Baby-Friendly Hospitals. This practice is aligned with the goals of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, which advocates for breastfeeding to promote optimal infant health. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk, without any additional food or drink, for the first six months of life.

Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that are crucial for an infant's growth and immune system development. It is also beneficial for maternal health and helps to establish a strong mother-infant bond. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in hospitals is part of a global effort to improve breastfeeding rates and maternal-infant health outcomes, as supported by numerous studies that demonstrate the short and long-term benefits of breastfeeding.

In the context of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding also serves to educate mothers about the advantages of breastfeeding, help them overcome common challenges, and provide the support they need to succeed. Therefore, advocating for exclusive breastfeeding is a core principle in these healthcare facilities.