Hospital Abelardo Santos strengthens actions to promote breastfeeding
Nursing Week reinforced maternal care and comprehensive care as pillars of the state health policy of the Government of Pará
Based on the work already done for women, with an emphasis on humanization and special attention to breastfeeding, the largest public health unit of the Government of Pará and one of the most important in the North region of the country, the Dr. Abelardo Santos Regional Hospital (HRAS), in Icoaraci, a district of Belém, is strengthening its initiatives to obtain the "Baby-Friendly Hospital" seal, known by the acronym IHAC.
The seal is an important recognition for the hospital units that achieve it, as it attests to the hospital's commitment to the quality of care, welcoming mothers and babies, and the adoption of the 10 steps for successful breastfeeding, established by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Although the hospital already has this commitment incorporated into its institutional culture, it is essential to reinforce these guidelines through training, educational activities, and interactive actions, so that everyone is aligned with the process. The IHAC seal, as it is known, will further highlight what we have already been developing,” said the general director of HRAS, Ednise Amaral.
Steps
HRAS already meets all criteria, including adherence to the 10 Steps for Successful Breastfeeding, compliance with the Brazilian Norm for the Marketing of Foods for Infants and Young Children (NBCAL) — as established by Law No. 11,265/2006 and regulated by Decree No. 9,579/2018 — and the implementation of Woman-Friendly Care (CAM).
Ednise Amaral adds: “This June, we will carry out the first evaluation stage, conducted by the State Health Department of Pará, Sespa. From this analysis, we may be referred for the final evaluation by the Ministry of Health. Everyone is engaged, always with the goal of promoting improvements for our users, which is our focal commitment,” explains the manager.
Nursing Week
From May 27 to 30, Hospital Abelardo Santos held the 4th Nursing Week, themed “Commitment to Life, Breastfeeding, and Humanization – IHAC Action.” During the program, health professionals participated in lectures and immersive experiences, with thematic stations that reinforced the principles of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (IHAC).
After the training, the nursing team was invited to visit the stations, each addressing two goals of the IHAC. At these stages, activities such as questions and answers, puzzles, and interactive dynamics were proposed. At the end of the circuit, participants received the symbolic seal “I Am a Friend of the Child,” certifying the professional's alignment with the initiative's objectives.
Part of the program was organized by the Permanent Education Center (NEP) of HRAS, under the coordination of Jamilly Silva. “We also had moments of care for those who care, such as the SPA offered to participants, in addition to karaoke. All of this contributes to a more humane, welcoming, and happy work environment — and this directly reflects on the care of our patients.”
Regarding the outcome, the care manager, Adriano Furtado, assured that it was satisfactory. “Seeing the team engaged in the process and, especially, assertive in all IHAC inquiries is very important. This demonstrates that our patients are receiving excellent care, based on national and international commitments to quality and humanization,” he concluded.
Profile
In the first four months of 2025 alone, the obstetric complex of HRAS performed 1,660 deliveries, including 727 normal births and 933 cesarean sections. In 2024, the hospital surpassed the mark of 5,000 deliveries. The unit operates 24 hours a day, with five PPP (pre-delivery, delivery, and post-delivery) rooms, one of which is equipped with a bathtub for water births, in addition to having a highly qualified multidisciplinary team.
The unit is a reference in care for women and children, with a focus on four pediatric fronts: emergency, surgery, clinical hospitalization, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in addition to welcoming in Intermediate Care Units (UCIn). The structure also includes 20 ICU beds and 10 neonatal ICU beds, as well as 10 beds dedicated to the kangaroo method.
