Longitudinal Analysis of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care by Baby-Friendly Designation Status

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based maternity care practices supportive of breastfeeding are critical for breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and continuation, and these practices are operationalized through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This study examined longitudinal trajectories of evidence-based maternity care practices supportive of breastfeeding by Baby-Friendly designation status among U.S. hospitals.