ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on evidence-based good practice to promote and support breastfeeding based on the BFI Standards (2012), as well as practices that may interfere with successful breastfeeding. The BFI focuses on the key practice areas and implementation of the Baby Friendly best practice standards has been identified as one way to increase breastfeeding rates. The policy should identify the aims, principles and standards to be achieved, ensuring that staff adhere to the WHO Code (1981). The Infant Feeding Survey 2010 reported that whilst 96 per cent of UK mothers attended antenatal care only 38 per cent attended antenatal classes. Despite differences of the timing of the first breastfeed in different cultures, it is strongly recommended that skin-to-skin contact should take place as soon as possible following birth. If infants are separated from their mothers they display signs of 'hyper-arousal response', where the heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure increase.
