Emirati Nursing Students’ Experiences and Perspectives on Baby-Friendly Hospital (BFHI) Training: A Phenomenological Study
Sawsan Abuhammad, Ahlam Alhemedi, Amira Mohammed Ali, Hossam Alhawatmeh, Abdelaziz Hendy, Heba Hijazi, Farah K El-zubi, Amat Al-Khaleq O MehrassBackground
Breastfeeding is strongly recommended for infant and maternal health, and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) aims to improve breastfeeding-supportive care; hence, teaching nursing students to adopt BFHI concepts is critical.
Aim
To explore nursing students’ experiences and perspectives of BFHI training, with attention to communication and cultural sensitivity.
Methods
A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Thirty undergraduate nursing students (13 males, 17 females) who completed BFHI-related learning participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using thematic analysis with independent coding by two researchers.
Results
Six themes were identified: (1) training was experienced as structured, clear, and educational; (2) readiness and confidence improved through supervision, feedback, and skills practice—especially simulation; (3) permission-based, professional communication was central to breastfeeding education; (4) male identity created initial culturally influenced discomfort that improved with adaptation and professionalism; (5) team-based support—particularly involving female staff—and indirect teaching tools increased acceptability; and (6) real-clinical barriers (e.g., access, patient preference, role ambiguity) led to recommendations for clearer roles, more simulation, and culturally sensitive guidance.
Conclusion
When combined with structured curriculum, supervised practice, and simulation, BFHI training can boost students’ confidence and communication skills. To deepen learning and improve clinical application, male trainees in culturally sensitive settings require explicit advice on consent-based communication, boundaries, teamwork (including female staff assistance), and role clarification.