Welcoming a baby into the world is one of life’s most powerful moments. In that first embrace between mother and newborn, a lifelong foundation for health is laid. More importantly, the infant’s very first defence against the world is received in breastmilk.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding remains one of the most effective interventions to ensure child health and survival. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies, which help protect against many common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, acting as a “first vaccine” for infants.
For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum complications, certain cancers and strengthens the bond between mother and child. Best of all, babies can be fed on demand. Therefore, because breastfeeding is so powerful, we must ensure that every mother is supported, to begin and continue, though this journey.
The Ministry of Health, though its National Breastfeeding Coordinating Unit, has spearheaded the local implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global programme led by WHO and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). Presently five of our six public hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago achieved Global Baby Friendly accreditation, marking a significant national milestone.
At the heart of this transformation are the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a framework that reshapes how care is delivered, ensuring that hospitals and health facilities demonstrate excellence in protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding and optimal maternal and newborn care.
BFHI accreditation ensures that mothers are supported from the moment they enter the health-care system. Expectant mothers receive breastfeeding education during antenatal clinic visits, including guidance on recognising feeding cues, empowering them to make informed feeding decisions.
Once delivered, the mother and baby are allowed to bond during the immediate, uninterrupted first hour of skin-to-skin contact where breastfeeding is initiated. This critical period assists with regulating the newborn’s body temperature and facilitating the “Crawl”, where the baby moves, almost instinctively, towards the breast to begin feeding.
The support continues in the postnatal period where midwives and breastfeeding counsellors provide guidance on vital topics such as the importance of colostrum, positioning and latching, recognizing feeding cues, hand expression, and storage of breast milk. To ensure accessibility, support groups are available at all Regional Health Authorities and can be reached via WhatsApp. Mothers in need of special attention are encouraged to return to the Lactation Suites for counselling.
The initiative also encompasses Mother Friendly Care, which advocates for the presence of a support partner during birth, a practice also extended to those undergoing caesarean sections. This, along with the Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care, enables the pregnant woman and her partner to be involved in decision making about issues and mode of delivery and provides the use of Birthing Aids during labour and delivery. This is in keeping with International Best Practices and represents a paradigm shift into modern midwifery and obstetric practices.
Additionally, the BFHI also provides specialized focus on small, sick and preterm babies. These vulnerable neonates have medically indicated conditions that benefit from the use of colostrum as a prescribed medicine and later from breast milk, which is critical to their survival. Parents of these neonates are encouraged to use Kangaroo Care Wraps, which aid in breastfeeding and provide several other benefits that contribute to the health of the preterm.
Most importantly, BFHI also guarantees that healthcare workers are properly trained to provide consistent, respectful and mother-centered care. Nurses, midwives and doctors work together to empower mothers, offering guidance without pressure, respecting informed choices and creating an environment where families feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Beyond the hospital walls, BFHI accreditation contributes to stronger communities and healthier generations. Babies who receive the best possible start in life are more likely to thrive, reducing the long-term burden on families and the healthcare system..
These comprehensive strategies signify a commitment to transforming the birthing experience for families across the nation. By integrating these evidence-based practices into our national health framework, the Ministry of Health continues to prioritise the well-being of our youngest citizens and the empowerment of the families who care for them.
