Southern NSW Local Health District is celebrating a major achievement with all five of its birthing hospitals now being accredited under the Baby Friendly Health Initiative.
The initiative is a globally recognised benchmark developed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
In Australia, the accreditation focuses on improving healthcare for babies, their mothers and families by ensuring all women, regardless of their feeding choices and circumstances, receive unbiased information, appropriate support and factual advice during pregnancy and postnatal period.
Maternity and community health facilities can apply for the three-year accreditation which is granted by the Australian College of Midwives after facilities meet the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding guidance.
Southern NSW Local Health District is now one of only two health districts in Australia to achieve BFHI accreditation across all birthing facilities which reflects a strong and system-wide commitment to delivering safe, supportive and informed maternity care.
The accredited hospitals are:
- Cooma Hospital
- South East Regional Hospital (Bega)
- Moruya District Hospital
- Goulburn Hospital
- Queanbeyan District Hospital
Southern NSW LHD is now working towards extending the Baby Friendly Health Initiative principles to its Community Health facilities.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“This accreditation speaks volumes about the maternity care being delivered at Southern NSW Local Health District but also across the wider NSW health system.
“NSW Health is dedicated to safe, informed and compassionate maternity care for all women and their babies and I want to thank the hardworking staff, clinicians and leaders involved—your efforts are supporting families from the very start.”
Quotes attributed to Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:
“This achievement reflects the values of our region—strong teamwork, community focus, and a commitment to doing what’s best for families.
“It’s great to know that parents can rely on maternity care that meets a world-class gold standard.”
Quotes attributed to Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:
“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.
“I’m very proud of the fact that 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.”
Quotes attributed to Margaret Bennett, Chief Executive, Southern NSW Local Health District:
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for our District and reflects months of dedication by staff across all sites.
“Special thanks go to Clinical Midwifery Consultant Jenny Flaherty, whose leadership was instrumental, and to our five Midwifery Unit Managers for championing this work in their hospitals.
“The accreditation represents a shared commitment to creating environments where breastfeeding is supported as the norm and women are empowered to make informed choices.”