Implementing Legislation to Improve Hospital Support of Breastfeeding, New York State, 2009–2013

Abstract

IntroductionIncreasing breastfeeding is a public health priority supported by strong evidence. In 2009, New York passed Public Health Law § 2505–a, requiring that hospitals support the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommended “Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding” (Ten Steps). This legislation strengthened and codified existing New York State’s hospital perinatal regulations. The purpose of this study was to assess hospital policy compliance with New York laws and regulations related to breastfeeding.MethodsIn 2009, 2011, and 2013, we collected written breastfeeding policies from 129 New York hospitals that provided maternity services. A policy review tool was developed to quantify compliance with the 28 components of breastfeeding support specified in New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations and the new legislation. In 2010 and 2012, hospitals received individual feedback from the New York State Department of Health, which informed hospitals in 2012 that formal regulatory enforcement, including potential fines, would be implemented for noncompliance.ResultsThe number of components included in hospital policies increased from a mean of 10.4 in 2009, to 16.8 in 2011, and to 27.1 in 2013) (P < .001); a greater increase occurred from 2011 through 2013 than from 2009 through 2011 (P < .001). The percentage of hospitals with fully compliant policies increased from 0% in 2009, to 5% in 2011, and to 75% in 2013 (P < .001), and the percentage that included all WHO’s 10 steps increased from 0% to 9% to 87%, respectively (P < .001).ConclusionAlthough legislation or regulations requiring certain practices are important, monitoring with enforcement accelerates, and may be necessary for, full implementation. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of improved hospital breastfeeding policies on breastfeeding outcomes in New York.

A study to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of exclusive breast feeding among primi mothers of healthy term neonates in a tertiary care hospital and predictors of failure of establishment of exclusive breast feeding in first six months

“…1 Breastfeeding is beneficial to the child as it is natural with optimal nutrients and has several protective factors against infections. 2 Breastfeeding is eco-friendly and is advantageous to mother, as it reduces the time of bleeding during postnatal period and decreases the risk for malignancies, as well as to the community.…”

“…2 Breastfeeding is eco-friendly and is advantageous to mother, as it reduces the time of bleeding during postnatal period and decreases the risk for malignancies, as well as to the community. 1 The National Family health Survey-3, in India, had revealed that only 46% of children are exclusively breastfed in the 0-1 month age group. 3 In India about 2.4 million children die each year of which two-thirds are associated with infant feeding practices which are inappropriate.…”

“…2016 Aug;3(3):810-814 International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics | July-September 2016 | Vol 3 | Issue 3 Page 811 policies. 1,9,10,11,13 This study is aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices towards exclusive breastfeeding and to find out the predictors of failure of establishment of exclusive breastfeeding in first six months. Information about breastfeeding practices in such population will be useful for policy makers and for Interventional programs.…”

Trends in Breastfeeding Among Infants Enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children — New York, 2002–2015

“…The New York WIC program has a long history of promoting breastfeeding as a strategy to prevent childhood obesity †† . Moreover, New York and local governments enacted legislation ( 3 ) and the Latch-On §§ initiative to improve support of breastfeeding. The substantial progress in breastfeeding measures among New York WIC infants likely reflects the collective efforts at national, state and local levels.…”

“…The decision to continue breastfeeding is influenced by a combination of demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors ( 3 , 6 – 8 ). The findings in this study indicate potential conceptual or methodological limitations in existing initiatives to promote duration and exclusivity.…”