Assessing the Implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in Hungary: A Cross-Sectional Study.

We assessed the prevalence of the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" in Hungary and identified possible associations of the steps with breastfeeding. Our quantitative, cross-sectional research was conducted anonymously online in Hungary with a self-administered questionnaire in 2021. Targeted sampling was used, with biological motherhood and having at least one child no older than 60 months as inclusion criteria ( n = 2008). The implementation of the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" was analyzed separately for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. A breastfeeding mother was defined as breastfeeding for at least six months. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 test, and t -test were calculated with SPSSv25 ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers in terms of supplementary feeding at the advice of a health professional ( p = 0.624) and in terms of assistance with breastfeeding or suggested breastfeeding positions during hospitalization ( p = 0.413). Significant differences were found for receiving breastfeeding-friendly recommendations by staff ( p = 0.006), valuing breastfeeding ( p < 0.001), skin-to-skin contact within 1 h ( p = 0.002), receiving supplementary feeding ( p < 0.001), rooming-in ( p < 0.001), responsive feeding, recognizing hunger signs ( p < 0.001), pacifier/bottle use ( p < 0.001), and availability of breastfeeding support ( p = 0.005). Significant differences were observed between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding subsamples regarding the implementation of baby-friendly steps ( p < 0.001). Breastfeeding mothers experienced the implementation of more baby-friendly steps and a higher rate of breastfeeding, while there was no significant difference in the duration of exclusive ( p = 0.795) and partial breastfeeding ( p = 0.250) based on the results. We concluded that exposure to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative may be associated with increased 6-month breastfeeding but may not influence longer durations.