What is the role of the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative?

The Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care provided to mothers and infants in healthcare settings. By focusing on best practices in maternal and infant health, the initiative aims to ensure that mothers receive the support they need for breastfeeding, which is critical for the health of both the mother and the baby.

Hospitals designated as "Mother-Baby Friendly" adopt evidence-based practices that encourage skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and the provision of education and resources that facilitate breastfeeding. This initiative contributes to better outcomes in terms of breastfeeding rates, maternal health, and reduced infant mortality.

In contrast, other options do not align with the core mission of the initiative. For instance, promoting the sale of infant vaccines or providing funding for infant formula production does not connect to the goals of supporting breastfeeding or improving maternal-infant bonding. Additionally, enforcing the marketing of breastfeeding substitutes contradicts the initiative's focus on promoting breastfeeding as the preferred and healthiest option for infant feeding.