Zulekha Hospital Sharjah gets BFHI accreditation

Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah is the first private hospital in UAE to be certified with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accreditation by UNICEF and WHO. The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by WHO and UNICEF in 1991, following the Innocenti Declaration of 1990. The initiative is a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Zanubia Shams, co-chairperson, of Zulekha Healthcare Group said: "We understand how important this bonding is at an early stage and therefore encourage mothers to consult our lactation consultants free of cost even after their post-natal stay at the hospital. This supportive educational journey can continue till the time a mother is lactating. We ensure education material related to BFHI is handed over to mothers during the sessions for reference and right practices."
Being based out of the Baby-friendly city Sharjah and in line with the vision of founder and chairperson Dr. Zulekha Daud, the hospital extensively advocates breastfeeding and imparts breastfeeding education and awareness to expecting mothers and the community at large. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to undergo the Lactation Consultant Training Programme and today the hospital has seven Lactation Consultants on board who provide free education and guidance to mothers round the clock.
Dr. Kranti Jadav, specialist gynecologist said: "Breast feeding is the natural way of providing infants with the nutrients they need for health group and development. Exclusive breastfeeding should start within one hour after birth until a baby is six months old, followed by nutritious complimentary foods to be added while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. Mothers require active support for establishing and sustaining breastfeeding practices although it is a natural act and that is why as a BFHI accredited hospital we can provide the required support and promote breastfeeding."
- sandhya@khaleejtimes.com