'Ten steps to successful breastfeeding': Process and implementation


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

4273.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - Board 6

Abstract #115801

Hanan J. Aboumatar, MD, MPH, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Preventive Medicine, John Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room WB-602, Baltimore, MD 21205, 4437397809, haboumat@jhsph.edu

The ‘Ten Steps to successful Breastfeeding' is an action framework for breastfeeding promotion and support within the healthcare system. It is an evidence-based, ‘best practices' approach demonstrated to improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates in the United States (USA) and worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) developed this framework in 1980 and the USA Department Of Health And Human Services called for its nationwide adoption in USA hospitals in 2000. However, implementation of the ‘Ten Steps' in maternity facilities in the United States continues to be poor and national breastfeeding rates continue to be well behind the Healthy People 2010 goals. In addition, significant racial disparities continue to exist. A national survey of 1085 women show that only 7% of surveyed mothers report experiencing 5 of the ‘ten steps' in their maternity facilities. This presentation describes the key processes involved in implementing the ‘Ten Steps', the key determinants for successful implementation, and the barriers commonly encountered. The organizational change stage theory is discussed in this context and applied as a strategic planning tool. Finally, examples of ‘lessons learned' from various health facilities are given.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives

1. List the ‘Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding’ and articulate how and why the ‘Ten Steps’ work as a successful model for breastfeeding promotion in healthcare facilities
2. Recognize the key processes involved and the key determinants for successful implementation
3. Analyze the barriers to successful implementation
4. Describe the organizational change stage theory and how it may be utilized as a planning tool for the ‘Ten Steps’ implementation
5. List examples of ‘lessons learned’ from organizations that have implemented the ‘Ten Steps’

Keywords: Breast Feeding, Hospitals

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Improving Access to Maternity Health Services

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA