Purpose
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC™) Ten Steps Assessment Tool.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I find a hospital's mPINC data?
A: A hospital's mPINC data is included in its latest mPINC Hospital Report. You may also request mPINC data from CDC by submitting a data request to mpinc@cdc.gov. Only state health departments can request reports for facilities in their state. Hospitals can request their own facility data. If a hospital did not complete the mPINC survey, hospital representatives can download the mPINC questionnaire to assess their maternity care practices and policies. If you are not a participating hospital or a state health department, you must work directly with hospitals to get their mPINC data.
Q: How do I find a hospital's answer for each of the mPINC items included in this tool?
A: A hospital's response to each mPINC item is displayed on its mPINC Hospital Report in the column "Your Response." Every tool item, except for a hospital's prenatal breastfeeding education information, is included in the hospital's mPINC Hospital Report. If it is unknown whether a hospital offers prenatal breastfeeding education, state health departments and hospitals can request mPINC data from CDC by submitting a data request to mpinc@cdc.gov.
Q: Does this tool provide an overall score?
A: No. This tool does not provide an overall score. This tool identifies the mPINC item(s) that correspond to each of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The tool also identifies ideal and not-ideal response choices for each item to help assess implementation of each Step.
Q: If this tool indicates a hospital is implementing each of the Ten Steps, does that mean that hospital is ready for Baby-Friendly designation?
A: No. This tool does not replace or serve as a pretest for Baby-Friendly assessments or designation. Hospitals interested in pursuing Baby-Friendly designation can learn more about the designation process from Baby-Friendly USA.