What aspect of breastfeeding support is highlighted by the Baby-Friendly Initiative?

The Baby-Friendly Initiative emphasizes the WHO Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which provides a framework for healthcare institutions to support breastfeeding. These ten steps include practices that create an optimal environment for breastfeeding, encourage immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth, and support mothers in initiating breastfeeding within the first hour. This initiative aims to enhance maternal and infant health through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods thereafter.

By focusing on these steps, the Baby-Friendly Initiative aims to increase awareness, support, and education regarding breastfeeding, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for both mothers and infants. The initiative is rooted in scientific evidence that demonstrates the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, solidifying its crucial role in neonatal care.