IT’S official – Sunshine Hospital is a baby-friendly zone.
The hospital was awarded a Baby Friendly Health Initiative accreditation last week.
Launched by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, the initiative aims to promote breastfeeding and other initiatives to boost the health and well-being of babies and their mothers.
To gain the endorsement, the hospital produced booklets in eight languages, along with additional pictorial and written information which was distributed to new mums. Dr Mark Garwood, Western Health’s Executive Director of Medical Services said the achievement was an exciting one for the hospital.
“The diverse community serviced by Western Health brings with it a unique set of challenges and I am pleased that we have risen to this challenge in ensuring that every woman, no matter what her cultural background, can access the important information and advice she needs to successfully breast feed and ensure the well-being of her baby.”
Yasna Blandin de Chalain, a midwife consultant at the hospital, said breastfed babies were less likely to suffer from infections, diabetes and stomach bugs.
