Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
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The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is the most widely promoted program for increasing breastfeeding rates. ⋯ Training of health professionals, based on the BFHI, was associated with significant improvement in some Baby-Friendly hospital practices and initial exclusive breastfeeding rates. A high rate of in-hospital supplementation may partly explain the lack of improvement in breastfeeding exclusivity and duration after discharge. Strong institutional support and commitment is needed to enable full implementation of recommended Baby-Friendly practices.
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Since 2001, Quebec's ministry of health and social services has prioritized implementation of the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI), which includes the original hospital initiative and its expansion to community services. ⋯ Results disseminated to participating organizations allowed comparisons on a regional/provincial perspective and in relation to BFI-designated facilities. Furthermore, this first portrait of BFI compliance in Quebec provided provincial, regional, and local health authorities with valuable information that can be used to bring about policy and organizational changes to achieve the international standards required for Baby-Friendly certification.
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Use of videoconferencing technology for healthcare intervention and support is an area of tremendous potential, especially in regard to application in rural or underserved communities. Potential for cost-savings, time-savings, and increased access to care are the ultimate driving force behind use of this technology, for both providers and recipients of healthcare services. Recently, the Federal Government has initiated rulings to support the increased use of computer technology in underserved areas. Therefore, exploring novel applications of the technology of videoconferencing is timely. Remote lactation consultation may be one such novel application. ⋯ Emergent themes were grounded in existing literature, and potential scales were identified to assist with development of a future tool to test the theoretical model. Responses to the videoconferencing experience were positive, but preferred use of the technology was situational.