An assessment of adherence to the ten steps of the baby friendly hospital initiative guidelines in Kenyatta National Hospital maternity unit

Abstract

Objectives: Breastfeeding is crucial for the health of both mothers and infants. This study evaluated the compliance of  Kenyatta National Hospital's maternity unit with the Ten Steps of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a strategy  aimed at improving breastfeeding rates.

Methods: A short longitudinal survey of the mothers who delivered a live infant at the KNH labour ward, a cross-sectional survey of the health care workers in the labour and postnatal wards and an  institutional observation study within the Maternity Unit was done over a one-month period. Systematic sampling was used for the mothers while the healthcare workers were randomly sampled.

Results: Out of 103 enrolled mothers, the  hospital achieved an overall BFHI compliance rate of 40%. Specifically, Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 did not meet the required  threshold for compliance. The study found that 68% of babies at the hospital were breastfed within the first  hour of birth, which is beneficial for newborns. However, infants with morbidity experienced delayed breastfeeding initiation compared to those without co-morbidity. Additionally, 78% of mothers with infants who had health issues did  not receive information on postpartum breastfeeding support.

Conclusion: Demographic characteristics of mothers did  not significantly influence early versus delayed breastfeeding initiation. However, the study emphasizes the importance  of improving BFHI compliance in order to enhance breastfeeding practices at the hospital. Encouraging early  breastfeeding initiation and providing adequate postpartum breastfeeding support are essential steps to support  maternal-infant bonding and positive health outcomes.