This guideline provides global, evidence-informed recommendations on protection, promotion and support of optimal breastfeeding in facilities providing maternity and newborn services, as a public health intervention. It is intended to contribute to discussions among stakeholders when selecting or priorit...
Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of child survival, nutrition and development and maternal health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or beyond. T...
This guideline covers safe midwifery staffing in all maternity settings, including at home, in the community, in day assessment units, in obstetric units, and in units led by midwives (both alongside hospitals and free-standing). It aims to improve maternity care by giving advice on monitoring staffing l...
This guideline covers helping people to stop smoking in acute, maternity and mental health services. It promotes smokefree policies and services and recommends effective ways to help people stop smoking or to abstain from smoking while using or working in secondary care settings....
Since the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by UNICEF and WHO in
1991-1992, the Initiative has grown, with more than 20,000 hospitals having been designated
in 156 countries around the world over the last 15 years. During this time, a number of
regional meetings offered guidance and p...
