Coming from a Hospital System that recently got BFHI recognition I'd like
to answer this.

First of all, the unit I opened started with a 63% BF rate, and we quickly
boosted that to 73-4% in the first year. We did that by doing education
with all the Ped. and OB office staff in the area. So, I see this as number
1. Don't wait for them to get into the hospital to learn about
breastfeeding and to be encouraged to "try it." When the hospital staff are
the first to bring it up, we can look like bullies.

What we did was to set up an 8 hour "Baby Friendly Breastfeeding" course
that was required of all our nurses. Then we opened it to the community and
offered free continuing education units. Our Physician Liason was thrilled
to be able to offer this to offices when she visited so it spread like
wildfire. Eventually, by the time moms arrived on our unit we were singing
them an old song!

Another thing we did was to combine the Lactation and Childbirth Education
Departments. The same folks who rounded for Lactation taught the Childbirth
classes. There are several benefits to this. For one, every class taught is
Baby Friendly. That incluced basic Childbirth Ed., Baby Care, Breastfeeding
Classes, Infant CPR... the whole gamut. Again, by the time a mom arrives on
the unit there isn't much left to say. Further, it helps you justify more
LC hours on your unit AND it allows you to turn a profit for what you do.
Birthing Classes general make money, whereas lactation rounds do not. Think
about it.

Finally, accept that a certain number of folks will be uncomfortable with
what you are doing. It's inevitable. Don't try to please everyone. You
can't. No matter what you do, somebody is going to think you are "forcing"
somebody to breastfeed. It's their problem, not yours.

Susan











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