Queanbeyan District Hospital is among those celebrating the accreditation. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has become the second region in Australia to meet the United Nations Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) after all five of its birthing units received accreditation.
Queanbeyan, Cooma, Moruya, Bega and Goulburn birthing units are celebrating after their maternity care met a 10-step program for successful breastfeeding guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
SNSWLHD chief executive Margaret Bennett praised the hard work of staff in achieving the standard.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for our district and reflects months of dedication by staff across all sites,” she said.
“The accreditation represents a shared commitment to creating environments where breastfeeding is supported as the norm and women are empowered to make informed choices.”
WHO and the United Nations developed the BFHI in 1991 to promote and support breast feeding around the world.
The initiative focusses on improving healthcare for babies and mothers by ensuring anyone, regardless of feeding choices, gets unbiased information and is supported before and after birth.
Monaro MP Steve Whan, who campaigned on improving health care for the southern district, praised the development.
“This is wonderful news which enforces the feedback I receive about the excellent pre- and post-natal care delivered to mothers and their families across Monaro,” he said.
“I’m very proud of the fact our LHD has been recognised like this. It demonstrates our commitment to community and healthcare for families navigating one of the most significant events in their lives.”
The 10-step program to successful breastfeeding is available online.
The district will now work to expand the initiative to its community health facilities.
Breastfeeding advice is at hand online. Infographic: UNICEF.
