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, χ2 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.
