The Joseph N France Hospital, in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming certified as a baby-friendly hospital as part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). This certification is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to mothers and newborns.
The BFHI is a global program launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991. The initiative aims to promote and support breastfeeding as the best way to feed newborns and infants. The program recognizes hospitals and birthing centres that implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding include guidelines for staff education and training, the promotion of breastfeeding as the best way to feed infants, and providing support to breastfeeding mothers. The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes is a set of guidelines aimed at regulating the marketing of breast milk substitutes, such as infant formula, to ensure that mothers are not discouraged from breastfeeding.
By becoming a certified baby-friendly hospital, the Joseph N France Hospital has committed to implementing these guidelines and supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey. This will have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of babies and their mothers.
Breastfeeding has been shown to have numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother. For babies, breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that protect them against infections and diseases. Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), childhood obesity, and certain types of cancer. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby and can have a positive impact on the baby’s cognitive development.
For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and help to regulate their menstrual cycle. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby and can help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
By promoting and supporting breastfeeding, the Joseph N France Hospital is helping to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in St. Kitts and Nevis. NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, are significant health concerns in the Caribbean region. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of NCDs in both the mother and the baby.
In addition to the health benefits, becoming a certified baby-friendly hospital will also have a positive impact on the hospital’s reputation and patient satisfaction. Mothers who receive support and guidance on breastfeeding are more likely to feel satisfied with their hospital experience and are more likely to recommend the hospital to others.
In conclusion, the Joseph N France Hospital’s certification as a baby-friendly hospital is a significant achievement that will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies in St. Kitts and Nevis. By promoting and supporting breastfeeding, the hospital is helping to tackle NCDs and improve patient satisfaction. This achievement should be celebrated and serves as an inspiration for other hospitals and healthcare facilities in the region to follow suit.
