The WHO and UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding: A Lifeline for Newborns and Mothers

by Mammas Milk Bar

The WHO and UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding: A Lifeline for Newborns and Mothers

Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful ways to give newborns the best possible start in life. Recognizing its importance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to encourage maternity and newborn care facilities worldwide to adopt practices that support breastfeeding. At the heart of this initiative are the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding , a comprehensive framework designed to empower mothers, protect infant health, and promote lifelong well-being.


If you’re a new parent or caregiver, understanding these steps can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey at the hospital. Mammas Milk Bar team has broken these 10 steps down into simple, actionable insights. Do check with your health care provider for more information.


1. Hospital Policies: Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment

Hospitals play a critical role in setting the tone for breastfeeding success. Here’s how they can help:

  • Avoid promoting formula, bottles, or teats : These items can interfere with breastfeeding by creating nipple confusion or reducing milk supply.
  • Make breastfeeding the standard of care : Hospitals should ensure that all staff prioritize breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding.
  • Track breastfeeding support efforts : Monitoring progress helps hospitals identify areas for improvement and ensures consistent care.

By adopting these policies, hospitals create an environment where breastfeeding is not just encouraged but celebrated.


2. Staff Competency: Equipping Healthcare Workers with Knowledge

Healthcare workers are on the front lines of supporting new mothers. To ensure they’re prepared:

  • Train staff on breastfeeding support : From proper latching techniques to troubleshooting common challenges, staff should be well-versed in breastfeeding best practices.
  • Assess knowledge and skills regularly : Ongoing evaluations ensure that healthcare providers stay up-to-date and confident in their ability to assist mothers.

When healthcare workers are knowledgeable, mothers like you feel more supported and empowered.


3. Antenatal Care: Preparing Mothers Before Birth

Education starts before birth. During prenatal visits:

  • Discuss the benefits of breastfeeding : Explain how breastfeeding supports both baby’s development and mom’s health.
  • Prepare women for breastfeeding : Teach expectant mothers what to expect and how to get started, so they feel ready when the time comes.

Antenatal education lays the foundation for successful breastfeeding by addressing fears and misconceptions early.


4. Care Right After Birth: Skin-to-Skin and Early Feeding

The moments after birth are precious and set the stage for breastfeeding success:

  • Encourage skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery : This practice helps regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing while fostering bonding.
  • Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour : Early initiation boosts milk production and strengthens the mother-baby bond.

These simple yet powerful steps can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes.


5. Support Mothers with Breastfeeding: Hands-On Guidance

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, especially for first-time moms like you. Hospitals should provide practical support:

  • Check positioning, attachment, and suckling : Proper technique prevents discomfort and ensures the baby gets enough milk.
  • Offer hands-on assistance : Lactation consultants and nurses can guide mothers through common challenges like sore nipples or low milk supply.
  • Address common breastfeeding problems : Whether it’s engorgement or difficulty latching, timely intervention makes a world of difference.

With the right support, even small hurdles can be overcome quickly.


6. Supplementing: Prioritizing Breast Milk

Supplements should only be given when medically necessary:

  • Provide breast milk exclusively unless there’s a medical reason : Formula should never replace breast milk without a valid cause.
  • Use donor human milk if supplementation is needed : When available, donor milk is the next best option to a mother’s own milk.
  • Support mothers who choose formula feeding : If a mother opts for formula, she deserves guidance to do so safely and confidently.

This step emphasizes the importance of prioritizing breast milk while respecting individual choices.


7. Rooming-In: Keeping Mom and Baby Together

Separation can disrupt breastfeeding routines. To foster closeness:

  • Allow mothers and babies to stay together 24/7 : Rooming-in promotes frequent feeding and helps mothers recognize hunger cues.
  • Ensure proximity for sick babies : Even if a baby requires special care, keeping mom nearby supports bonding and breastfeeding.

Rooming-in not only enhances breastfeeding success but also strengthens the emotional connection between mother and child.


8. Responsive Feeding: Listening to Your Baby

Babies know when they’re hungry—and it’s important to listen:

  • Teach mothers to recognize hunger cues : Rooting, sucking motions, and fussiness are signs it’s time to feed.
  • Don’t limit breastfeeding times : Babies should feed on demand rather than being forced into rigid schedules.

Responsive feeding respects a baby’s natural instincts and ensures they receive adequate nutrition.


9. Bottles, Teats, and Pacifiers: Educating on Risks

While convenient, artificial feeding tools can interfere with breastfeeding:

  • Counsel mothers on the risks of bottles, teats, and pacifiers : These items may lead to nipple confusion or reduce the frequency of breastfeeding.
  • Promote alternatives : Encourage skin-to-skin contact and direct breastfeeding instead.

Education empowers parents to make informed decisions about feeding tools.


10. Discharge: Bridging the Gap to Community Support

Leaving the hospital doesn’t mean the end of breastfeeding support:

  • Refer mothers to community resources : Lactation consultants, peer support groups, and hotlines can provide ongoing assistance.
  • Collaborate with communities : Hospitals should work with local organizations to strengthen breastfeeding support networks.

A smooth transition from hospital to home ensures mothers continue to thrive in their breastfeeding journey.


Why the Ten Steps Matter

Implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding isn’t just about improving individual outcomes—it’s about transforming societies. Breastfeeding reduces infant mortality, protects against infections, and fosters cognitive development. It also benefits mothers by lowering the risk of certain cancers and aiding postpartum recovery.


For families, it provides peace of mind knowing they’re receiving the best possible support during a vulnerable time.


How You Can Advocate for Better Breastfeeding Support

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate, you can champion these steps in your community:

  • Ask your hospital if they follow the Ten Steps : Encourage local facilities to become Baby-Friendly certified.
  • Spread awareness : Share information about the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of supportive environments.
  • Support breastfeeding moms : Offer encouragement, share resources, and advocate for workplace policies that accommodate pumping and nursing.

Together, we can create a world where every mother has the tools and support she needs to breastfeed successfully.

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