Journal article
The uptake and implementation of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative in Australia
Women and Birth, Vol.32(3), pp.e323-e333
2019
Abstract
Problem: Despite evidence that implementation of the Initiative has been effective in increasing breastfeeding rates and duration of breastfeeding worldwide; the uptake is low with only 70 Baby Friendly accredited maternity facilities across Australia (approximately 23% of facilities). Background: The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes shaped the foundation for the Initiative to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. There is evidence that implementation of the Initiative is impacted by individual and organisational culture, organisational support, and education. Organisational change is also identified as playing an important role in the successful implementation of the Initiative. Despite policy and guideline support for the Initiative at national and state levels in Australia the uptake of the Initiative is low. Aim: The aim of this research was to explore health practitioners' perspectives about the uptake and implementation of the Initiative in Australia. Methods: Semi-structured, face-to-face, telephone and Skype interviews were conducted with 12 health practitioners. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Participants identified that the uptake and implementation of the Initiative in Australia is complex. This complexity was related to six themes: (1) policy and guideline support for the Initiative, (2) leadership support to implement the Initiative, (3) improving breastfeeding and Initiative-related knowledge, (4) improving communication between stakeholders regarding the Initiative, (5) accreditation and reaccreditation processes, and (6) implementation complexity. Conclusion: Using organisational change theories as a guide to implementation of the Initiative may be useful for facilities intending to become accredited.
Details
- Title
- The uptake and implementation of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative in Australia
- Authors
- Anahita Esbati (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringAmanda J Henderson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringJane A Taylor (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringMargaret Barnes (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Women and Birth, Vol.32(3), pp.e323-e333
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.07.023
- ISSN
- 1871-5192; 1878-1799
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Midwifery; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451268502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
424 Record Views
InCites Highlights
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
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Source: InCites