Applicability of the breastfeeding component as regulations in Mother and Baby Friendly Health Establishments

Abstract

Introduction: within the strategic objectives of the Territorial Development and Planning Plan of the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, it is proposed to generate affirmative actions to guarantee access to health and the promotion of rights and duties in favor of the population; However, it is just beginning with the health regulations for ESAMyN certification. Objective: to describe the applicability of the normative breastfeeding component of the Mother and Child Friendly Health Establishments in the Type C Health Center Las Palmas de Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Method: a study was carried out under a mixed modality, where a survey about said regulations was applied to 56 health professionals. Results: 75% of the staff have knowledge about the ESAMYN regulations but it was identified that the staff does not apply the current regulations. since only 26.79% know about its composition, only 43% correctly answered its objective and 29% to whom it is directed. On the other hand, 57% of Nursing staff know how many tests are necessary for a woman during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum; and 41% said they knew what family support during childbirth is. Conclusions: the present study provides a strategy to improve the health service for mothers and their newborn children based on the ESAMYN regulations, which contributes to the reduction of intersectoral and regional gaps.