User:Allyschulz16/sandbox

Article Evaluation - Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

 * Relatively unbiased presentation of information
 * The viewpoint of the United Kingdom is highly overrepresented, which suggests that the author of this piece probably was able to compile more information about the UK than other nations, probably due to residency in the UK
 * Each of the links I checked were successful and contained pertinent information supporting the article
 * Facts and statistics are factual and cited from multiple scholarly, unbiased sources
 * Most sources are relatively recent, written in the last decade
 * I think the biggest discrepancies for this piece stem from a lack of international coverage and congruency of coverage
 * The talk page is relatively unpopulated with frequent responses, however, there is some discussion surrounding the idea of emphasizing the importance of this topic and the apparent need for more research
 * There is some concern about edits to the article seeming to be more like an essay rather than like an encyclopedia.

Breastfeeding
The following is a proposed addition to the preexisting breastfeeding page.

I originally thought I would like to elaborate on the established section entitled "Prevalence", as it currently only contains statistics and graphic. I think that the following addition could be incorporated as a subsection of "Prevalence" and could be entitled something along the lines of "Developed vs. Developing Nations". However, closer interpretation of the available data suggests that there isn't sufficient data to add an entirely new section under prevalence. Instead, I think it makes more sense to instead explore "Promotion" because it is less addressed in the current entry. This addition could be added as a subsection after "Prevalence".

Promotion
Efforts are being made globally to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infants life, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Statistics released by the CDC cite an increasing rate of mothers working with children under 12 months of age, which plays a huge role in the decline of breastfeeding practices. Additionally, formula companies have spent millions internationally on campaigns to promote the use of formula as an alternative to mother's milk. Due to these and other challenges, strategies to promote breastfeeding have grown enormously in size and scope.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a program launched by WHO in conjunction with UNICEF in order to promote infant feeding and maternal bonding through certified hospitals and birthing centers. BFHI was developed as a response to the influence held by formula companies in private and public maternal health care. The initiative has two core tenets: the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. These methods are intended to reduce practices detrimental to breastfeeding such as early mixed feeding, use of pacifiers, and separation of mother and child in the clinical setting.The BFHI has especially targeted hospitals and birthing centers in the developing world, as these facilities are most at risk to the detrimental effects of reduced breastfeeding rates. Currently, 468 hospitals in the United States hold the "Baby-Friendly" title in all 50 states. Globally, there are more than 20,000 "Baby-Friendly" hospitals worldwide in over 150 countries.

Social Support
Positive social support in essential relationships of new mothers plays a central role in the promotion of breastfeeding outside of the confines of medical centers. Social support can come in many incarnations, including tangible, affectionate, social interaction, and emotional and informational support. An increase in these capacities of support has shown to greatly positively effect breastfeeding rates, especially among women with education below a high school level. In the social circles surrounding the mother, support is most crucial from the male partner, the mother's mother, and her family and friends. Research has shown that the closest relationships to the mother have the strongest impact on breastfeeding rates, while negative perspectives on breastfeeding from close relatives hinder its prevalence.

Professional Education
Studies have also shown a positive correlation of breastfeeding with increased professional education of care providers. 86% of Americans rely on professional healthcare providers like doctors, midwives, and nurses for medical advice and recommendations. Classes are then offered in group and individual settings as "low-intensity intervention" directed by trained medical professionals. Research conducted at large healthcare institutions in Massachusetts has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding rates for mothers who participate in breastfeeding and lactation training.

Social Marketing
Social marketing is a marketing approach intended to change people's behavior to benefit both individuals and society. When applied to breastfeeding promotion, social marketing works to provide positive messages and images of breastfeeding to increase visibility. Social marketing in the context of breastfeeding has shown efficacy in media campaigns such as Loving Support, Mother-Friendly Worksite Program, Fathers Supporting Breastfeeding, and Best for Babes: Champions for Moms. Social marketing can target mothers, partners, support systems, and healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding.