Andreja Tekauc Golob
Oddelek za perinatologijo, Klinika za ginekologijo in perinatologijo, Univerzitetni klinični center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenija

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of a children’s survival, nutrition and development, as well as the foundation for mothers’ health. Children have the right to living, survival, optimal development and the highest attainable standard of health, which must include breastfeeding and safe and nutritious food. Women have the right to accurate, unbiased information necessary to make an informed choise about breastfeeding. They also have the right to quality health services. Also, they have the right to adequate maternity protection at the workplace and to a friendly environment and adequate breastfeeding conditions in public environments. Facilities providing maternity and newborn services must be aware of the infant feeding policy, their health workers should have the knowledge of infant feeding. Implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, incorporated in the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative (BFHI) has a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes. The National Breastfeeding Promotion Committee at UNICEF Slovenia implemented several initiatives based on the ten steps of the WHO: BFHI, Breastfeeding Friendly Health Facility, Neo-BFHI and Breastfeeding Friendly Cities. The article presents the substantive highlights of the afore mentioned initiatives, as well as opens up the space for new initiatives that would also enable a wider supportive environment for mothers during breastfeeding, which contribute to reducing risk of inequalities between mothers.

Key words: breastfeeding, equality, initiatives in Slovenia