Step Number 2

Staff Education

Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement the infant feeding policy.

Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement the infant feeding policy.

Why Step 2?

Patients report that health care professionals like you are their preferred source of information and guidance on breastfeeding. However, education and training in breastfeeding are not a core element of medical and nursing schools.1 
Because few opportunities exist for health professionals to obtain competency in breastfeeding prior to starting patient care, comprehensive breastfeeding training in the healthcare facility is critical for all staff. Not only do breastfeeding education programs improve your personal knowledge and competency, they also enhance overall patient care.  Studies indicate that training improves nighttime breastfeeding and decreases formula supplementation at night when lactation professionals are less available.2

Breastfeeding education enhances overall patient care

Primary Goals of Step 2

  1. Train staff to provide safe, effective, evidence-based and patient-centered care to support breastfeeding and informed infant-feeding decisions. 
  2. Empower women to make informed infant-feeding decisions by imparting to them an understanding of the benefits and management of breastfeeding. 
  3. Support women to manage and carry out their chosen infant-feeding method(s) in an atmosphere of respect. 

Ten Step Self-Assessment

Use the Ten Step Self-Assessment to help you evaluate your progress for this step. This self- assessment document does not have to be submitted with application.

Download Step 2 Self-Assessment

New Applicants

  • Use document checklist (PDF) to ensure appropriate support documentation is included with application.
  • If your current practice does not meet these criteria, review the Ten Step Self-Assessment to assess how your facility might fully implement this step.

View Application and Support Documents

Re-Designation Applicants

  • Review your individual Ten Step Scorecard from the last designation for change recommendations.
  • Use the Ten Step Self-Assessment Tool to help plan for step-by-step improvement in any areas needed.
  • Review the Baby Friendly USA, Inc. Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria to view full standard for this step.

Download Baby Friendly Guidelines

Resources