Full implementation of the BFHI was associated with significant improvement in hospital practices and in-hospital, exclusive-breastfeeding rates, but it did not affect breastfeeding rates postdischarge, emphasizing the vital role of community support. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative standards declined rapidly post-hospital designation, indicating the need for regular monitoring and reassessment as well as ongoing, effective training for hospital staff.

In our study, most reasons for formula supplementation of healthy term newborns were not standard acceptable medical reasons, indicating a need for improved maternal support, revision of hospital policies, and training of hospital staff.

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