Health Care System Factors for Breastfeeding (ever)

Health Care System Factors

Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss their feeding choices with their prenatal care provider, and to receive prenatal education. Most hospitals will honor a mother's desire to keep her baby in the room with her (essential for successful breastfeeding). Mothers should request assistance from a lactation professional in the hospital. The University of Utah is the only hospital in Utah to have achieved "Baby Friendly" status based on the Ten Steps established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Short hospital stays may not include additional time for breastfeeding assistance and anticipatory guidance. Mothers and their babies should be seen by their health care provider within the first week to ensure normal initiation of breastfeeding.