Abstract
Abstract: The recent Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding reinforces the important role breastfeeding has in the health of mothers and babies. It identifies the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative as a strategy that encompasses practices that result in better breastfeeding outcomes. Currently there are approximately 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals worldwide; however, only 125 of them are in the United States. This number is likely to increase with the renewed focus on breastfeeding. To achieve Baby-Friendly designation, hospitals and birthing centers must successfully implement the Baby-Friendly Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, evidence-based guidelines designed to promote and support breastfeeding in maternity settings. The purpose of this article is to share specific strategies we used to successfully implement each of the Baby-Friendly Ten Steps and improve our support and assistance of breastfeeding mothers and infants.