Predictors of suboptimal breastfeeding: an opportunity for public health interventions.

Background: Sub-optimum breastfeeding significantly contributes to the global burden of disease. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding in Southern Croatia.

Methods: Between February 2008 and August 2009, 773 mother-infant pairs were recruited from University Hospital of Split Maternity Unit.

Hospital practices and breastfeeding rates before and after the UNICEF/WHO 20-hour course for maternity staff.

Background: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is the most widely promoted program for increasing breastfeeding rates.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of BFHI training on hospital practices and breastfeeding rates during the first 12 months of life.

Methods: Eighty percent of maternity medical and nursing staff at the University Hospital in Split, Croatia, completed the updated and expanded United Nations Children's Fund/World Health Organization 20-hour course.