Two approaches, one goal: rethinking breastfeeding promotion in maternity hospitals.
- 1Nutrition Research Centre, University of Varese, Insubria, Italy. [email protected].
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Dipartimento Di Eccellenza, 2023-2027, Milan, Italy.
- 3Pediatric Department, Hospital 'F. Del Ponte', University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Abstract
We compare the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a leader in promoting breastfeeding in maternity hospitals, and the innovative Hospital Policy on Breastfeeding (HPB) Project funded and managed by the Italian Society of Neonatology. The HPB Project's approach can be described as pragmatic in terms of strategy (free of charge for participating facilities), recruitment process (interprofessional rather than top-down), and management. Furthermore, while the HPB Project complies with EU regulations and restricts the prescription of formula to exclusively breastfed newborns discharged from maternity hospitals, it is not bound by strict adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which, although commendable, has so far prevented a wider adoption of the BFHI initiative. The HPB Project could play a supportive role alongside the BFHI initiative, emphasizing the common goal rather than the differences.Conclusion
The HPB Project might serve as a model to be replicated internationally.What is known
• The implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has proven to promote breastfeeding in maternity hospitals (MHs). • In Italy, the BFHI has a slow progression with only 36 certified Baby Friendly Hospitals (BFHs).What is new
• The Hospital Policy on Breastfeeding (HPB) Project represents an effective, pragmatic approach to promote the initiation of breastfeeding in Italian MHs. • The HPB Project might serve as a model to be replicated internationally.
Related
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BibTeX
@article{davanzo2026approaches,
title = {{Two approaches, one goal: rethinking breastfeeding promotion in maternity hospitals.}},
author = {Riccardo Davanzo and Fabio Mosca and Massimo Agosti},
journal = {European journal of pediatrics},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1007/s00431-026-07557-3},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42925419},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Two approaches, one goal: rethinking breastfeeding promotion in maternity hospitals.
AU - Riccardo Davanzo
AU - Fabio Mosca
AU - Massimo Agosti
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/24
JO - European journal of pediatrics
DO - 10.1007/s00431-026-07557-3
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42925419
AB - We compare the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a leader in promoting breastfeeding in maternity hospitals, and the innovative Hospital Policy on Breastfeeding (HPB) Project funded and managed by the Italian Society of Neonatology. The HPB Project's approach can be described as pragmatic in terms of strategy (free of charge for participating facilities), recruitment process (interprofessional rather than top-down), and management. Furthermore, while the HPB Project complies with EU regulations and restricts the prescription of formula to exclusively breastfed newborns discharged from maternity hospitals, it is not bound by strict adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which, although commendable, has so far prevented a wider adoption of the BFHI initiative. The HPB Project could play a supportive role alongside the BFHI initiative, emphasizing the common goal rather than the differences.Conclusion The HPB Project might serve as a model to be replicated internationally.What is known • The implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has proven to promote breastfeeding in maternity hospitals (MHs). • In Italy, the BFHI has a slow progression with only 36 certified Baby Friendly Hospitals (BFHs).What is new • The Hospital Policy on Breastfeeding (HPB) Project represents an effective, pragmatic approach to promote the initiation of breastfeeding in Italian MHs. • The HPB Project might serve as a model to be replicated internationally.
SN - 0340-6199
SN - 1432-1076
ER -