Conclusions
The BFU still struggles to achieve a formal structure within the system
despite the managers acknowledging our strong positive results and high
resiliency has been needed to resist the many hurdles in the way.
However, many of our objectives were achieved: We facilitated equitable
access to specialized breastfeeding care, we contributed to integrated
care and we helped extending breastfeeding culture in our community. By
implementing the BFU we have thus contributed to improving the quality
and equity of our health care system.
Rising demands for specialized care may signal gaps in breastfeeding
care. Perhaps it is time that breastfeeding and human lactation are
recognized as an area of care where specialized medical and nursing care
are needed. While there is still room for improvement, our experience
shows that deploying a formally structured BSS within the NPHS is a
feasible challenge that may improve equitable access to breastfeeding
support and contribute to reduce health inequalities.