Sharma, SeemaSharma, ChanderdeepKumar, Dinesh2020-04-232020-04-232018-09Sharma Seema, Sharma Chanderdeep, Kumar Dinesh. Improving the Breastfeeding Practices in Healthy Neonates During Hospital Stay Using Quality Improvement Methodology. Indian Pediatrics. 2018 Sep; 55(9): 757-7600974-75590019-6061http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/199162Objective: To demonstrate the applications of the principles ofQuality Improvement (QI) in a tertiary-care centre with the aim toimprove the breastfeeding practices during hospital stay.Methods: An operational team was formulated to identify thereasons for low proportion of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) inhealthy neonates. Reason specific solutions were proposed,discussed, prioritized and tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle(PDSA Cycle). Strategies included clear departmental policy planand creation of Breastfeeding support package (BFSP). PDSAcycles were tested and implemented over 6 weeks period and itssustainability was measured monthly for five months duration.Results: After implementation of PDSA cycles, the proportion ofneonates receiving early breastfeeding within one hour of birthincreased from 55% to 95%, and the proportion of neonates onEBF during hospital stay increased from 72% to 98%.Conclusion: Quality Improvement principles are feasible andeffective to improve breastfeeding practices in the hospitalsetting.BreastmilkBaby friendly hospitalExclusive breastfeedingInterventionJournal ArticleIndiaDepartments of Pediatrics, Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaObstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaCommunity Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Himachal Pradesh, India