What Programs and Initiatives Does BPNI Run for Breastfeeding Promotion?

BPNI (Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India) runs a mix of awareness campaigns, health-system programs, and advocacy actions. Its work centers on protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding through four main channels: World Breastfeeding Week activities, the Breastfeeding Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in India, antenatal preparation modules for feeding babies, and campaigns against unethical infant formula trials. If you are looking for a specific program to join, refer to, or support, the sections below map each initiative to what it actually does.

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Campaigns

BPNI marks World Breastfeeding Week as a recurring annual campaign. The site lists World Breastfeeding Week-2026 under its "What's New" section, alongside the theme-oriented message "Let's Turn Our Hospitals to be Breastfeeding Friendly."

• What it is: A global awareness week that BPNI uses to push hospital-level change in India.
• Who it is for: Hospitals, health workers, and advocates who want to align with the annual campaign.
• How to use it: Treat the WBW page as the entry point for the year's theme, materials, and calls to action.

Breastfeeding Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) India

BPNI runs the "Breastfeeding Friendly Hospital" Initiative (BFHI) India, with a specific track for private hospitals.

• What it is: A hospital accreditation-style initiative that encourages facilities to adopt breastfeeding-friendly practices.
• Who it is for: Hospital administrators and clinical staff, particularly in the private sector, who want their facility recognized as breastfeeding friendly.
• Why it matters: The initiative connects directly to BPNI's founding concern — that health systems often exhort mothers to breastfeed without providing real support.

Antenatal Preparation Modules for Feeding Babies

BPNI offers Ante-natal Preparation Modules for Feeding Babies, described as a resource for preparing parents before birth.

• What it is: Structured preparation material for feeding babies, aimed at the antenatal period.
• Who it is for: Expectant parents and the health workers who counsel them.
• How to access it: The modules are featured on the BPNI homepage under "Welcome to BPNI's Ante-natal Preparation Modules for Feeding Babies."

Advocacy Against Unethical Infant Formula Trials

BPNI runs advocacy campaigns against unethical research on babies, including a call to "Stop unethical infant formula trials on babies." The site links to a Change.org petition (chng.it/qrPFMmQF) and asks supporters to sign, amplify, and share.

• What it is: An advocacy action targeting ethics committees that approved infant formula trials.
• Who it is for: Anyone who wants to support the campaign by signing or sharing the petition.

Parent-Facing Resources

Beyond programs, BPNI publishes practical resources, including a guide titled "Breastfeeding and complementary feeding: A guide for the parents." It is available in English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Assamese, Gujarati, Oriya, and Punjabi, priced at Rs. 50, with an "Order Now" option on the site. BPNI also maintains a presence on Facebook, Twitter (@bpniindia), and YouTube.

Quick Reference

How to Decide Where to Start

• If you run or work in a hospital: Look at the BFHI India initiative, especially the private hospital track.
• If you are an expectant parent: Start with the Ante-natal Preparation Modules and the parent guide.
• If you want to support advocacy: Sign and share the petition against unethical infant formula trials.
• If you want campaign materials: Check the World Breastfeeding Week-2026 page.

BPNI also accepts donations through a "DONATE NOW" option on its site, which supports its ongoing work.