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. This guideline examines each of the practices in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, in order to bring together evidence and considerations to inform practice. The scope of the guideline is limited to specific practices that could be implemented in facilities providing maternity and newborn services to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.