Hospital Practices and Breastfeeding | MIHA Survey Results 2022
This data brief summarizes findings from the California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) on women and other birthing people’s experiences of hospital practices that support breastfeeding. It highlights disparities, shows how these practices relate to breastfeeding outcomes, and provides resources for hospitals and community partners.
California Infant Feeding Guide
A feeding guide for children from birth to one year of age, with a focus on breastfeeding.
In-Hospital Breastfeeding Initiation Data
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) releases annual in-hospital breastfeeding initiation rates. Hospital staff and administrators can use this information to examine the percentage of women who initiate “exclusive” or “any” breastfeeding at their hospital in comparison to rates at similar hospitals and the state rate.
Hospital Breastfeeding Rates & Reports
Annual fact sheets and biannual reports on California hospital rates and policies produced by the California WIC Association
Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) Survey
CDC's national survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) assesses maternity care practices in hospitals across the United States. It also provides feedback to encourage hospitals to improve breastfeeding support. About every two years, CDC invites all eligible hospitals across U.S. states and territories to complete the mPINC survey. The questions focus on specific maternity care practices that affect how babies are fed.
The Joint Commission's Perinatal electronic Clinical Quality Measure (eCQM)
The Joint Commission has expanded the mandatory performance measure requirements for accredited hospitals with 300 or more births per year to include the Perinatal Care Core Measure Set that includes exclusive breast milk feeding.
The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) produced
USBC Documents
Hospital Infant Feeding Act
The Hospital Infant Feeding Act (California Health & Safety Code §123366) requires all California hospitals with a perinatal unit to have an infant feeding policy. Policies need to promote breastfeeding and utilize guidance from the
Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative or the
State Department of Public Health Model Hospital Policy Recommendations and must be clearly posted and routinely communicated to staff.
California Health & Safety Codes §123367 Requires that by 2025 all hospitals with a perinatal unit adopt the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" per Baby Friendly USA's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative , or an alternate process that includes evidenced-based policies and practices with targeted outcomes or the
Model Hospital Policy Recommendations .
Breastfeeding Model Hospital Policy Recommendations
These recommendations are designed to give basic information and guidance to perinatal professionals who wish to revise policies that affect the breastfeeding mother. Released in 2022.
Hospital Breastfeeding Policy Resources
Resources for developing a hospital breastfeeding policy.
Lactation Support Providers Constellation | USBC Created to identify best practices for supporting coverage of services, pumps and supplies per the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Recommended training for general acute care hospitals per
California Health and Safety Code 1257.9. Please contact your
local Regional Perinatal Program of California for available trainings, designed to promote exclusive breastfeeding, to be used by administrative and supervisory staff working in hospitals that provide maternity care. Per California Health and Safety Code 1257.9 requirements, CDPH developed a training in 2011 to promote exclusive breastfeeding which is available upon request. Please email
wicpumps@cdph.ca.gov for a copy of the training.
Hospital Support for Breastfeeding
Most hospitals do not fully support breastfeeding . Breastfeeding helps protect against childhood obesity and other illnesses, and lowers medical costs.
Baby-Friendly™ Hospitals in California
California leads the nation with hospitals achieving the prestigious Baby-Friendly Hospital designation
Baby-Friendly USA
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. (BFUSA) is the accrediting body and national authority for the BFHI in the United States. In this capacity, BFUSA is responsible for coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the Baby-Friendly designation and to ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the United States.
The
Regional Perinatal Programs of California (RPPC) provide quality improvement resources, consultation, and technical assistance to hospitals and health care providers. This includes promotion of quality hospital breastfeeding policies and related trainings.
Find a lactation consultant directory : A board-certified lactation consultant is an invaluable asset to breastfeeding families, reassuring you when breastfeeding and lactation are going well, and by providing information and support to help prevent and manage common concerns.