Hospital Iguassú Maternidade Mariana Bulhões promotes early breastfeeding

Hospital Iguassú Maternidade Mariana Bulhões has implemented a routine to encourage breastfeeding within the first minutes of a baby's life. Approximately 95% of mothers at the facility provide breast milk to their children within the first half-hour of birth.

The maternity hospital has held the 'Hospital Amigo da Criança' (Child Friendly Hospital) seal since 2004, a certification from the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (IHAC) that is renewed every three years by the Ministry of Health. The most recent certification was obtained in December 2025.

Support is managed by the Breastfeeding Committee (COMAM), a multidisciplinary group that provides guidance to pregnant women and mothers, monitors breastfeeding practices, and trains staff. The hospital's protocols include skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in, following the World Health Organization’s 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding'.