Effects of hospital policies and practices on initiation and duration of breastfeeding

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to verify if hospital policies and practices, independently of main maternal sociodemographic determinants, influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding. METHODS: The study was carried out at the Immunization Centre of Messina where all infants born in the four maternity wards of Messina are vaccinated, using a structured questionnaire, constructed in conformity with the methodology suggested by the WHO. RESULTS: Data analysis, performed by non-parametric and multivariate analysis of variance and by Kaplan-Meier curves, showed that the highest probability rate (P < 0.001) of initiation and duration of breastfeeding, independently of maternal age, parity, education levels, smoke and work was found in infants born in a University Hospital, characterized by earlier times of first suckling, longer hospital stay and higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. CONCLUSION: Our data emphasize the role and responsibility of hospital policies and practices in the promotion, and in the duration of breastfeeding.