OBJECTIVE: To describe women's experiences with the fourth step of the Hospital Baby Friendly Initiative. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken to collect data from 23 women admitted to a maternity hospital, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted to content analysis. RESULTS: Women stated that earlier contact and breastfeeding the newborn in the delivery room was very important for the newborn. In addition, women stated that receiving the newborn for the first time made them surprised and emotional. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are several limitations in the application of the fourth step in clinical practice. Health care providers must be sensitive to women's feelings, and must develop empathy and therapeutic communication.
Breastfeeding; Puerperium; Women's health