KAUST Health Achieves Baby Friendly Accreditation

KAUST Health is proud to announce that it has achieved Baby Friendly Accreditation by the Saudi Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. KAUST Health is the first private ambulatory clinic in Saudi Arabia to achieve Baby Friendly status.  

Baby Friendly accreditation demonstrates that KAUST Health is committed to implementing practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding, providing every family with informed choices so they can give their baby the healthiest start in life. This includes:

• Providing evidence-based infant nutritional education to families
• Offering feeding and nutrition support services for families in pregnancy, after birth, and beyond
• Baby Friendly training for all clinical and non-clinical staff working KAUST Health
• Clinical policies and procedures that support optimal infant feeding

There is an average of 200 babies born to KAUST mothers annually, and in 2017 celebrated the arrival of the 1000th KAUST baby. “We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving international standards for infant feeding support,” said Craig Kershaw , Director of KAUST Health. “We place a strong emphasis on supporting pregnant and new parents to give every new KAUST baby a healthy start in life.”

Leading research shows that education and support are contributing factors to successful breastfeeding. “We are creating an environment where every family’s informed choice of infant feeding is respected and supported,” said Kershaw. “This means providing families with education and support services to empower each family to achieve their breastfeeding goals.”

In 2016, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH), the primary health care provider for KAUST Health, was the first private hospital in Saudi Arabia to achieve Baby Friendly accreditation.

View slideshow at this URL: https://www.canva.com/design/DADI1qljBQI/O-Qdr7Ij2QeYn7nU5oe_6w/view?website ))

About the benefits of breastfeeding
Breast milk is considered the optimal food for newborns and infants and leading research has shown that breastfeeding has significant benefits to babies, mothers, households, communities, and the environment.

Despite its established benefits, breastfeeding is no longer a norm in many communities. When relevant interventions are delivered adequately, breastfeeding practices are responsive and can improve rapidly.
>> Learn more in the Lancet breastfeeding series

About the Baby Friendly Initiative

The Baby-Friendly Initiative is a global effort launched by WHO and UNICEF to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The global Baby Friendly initiative materials are regularly revised, updated and expanded for integrated care. The materials reflect new research and experience, reinforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, support mothers who are not breastfeeding, provide modules on HIV and infant feeding and mother-friendly care, and provide guidance for monitoring and reassessment.

About KAUST Health
Driven by our desire to support overall community well-being, KAUST Health offers a broad range of services that focus on a holistic approach to prevention, treatment, and follow-up for our patients. We pair highly-qualified and caring medical professionals with cutting-edge medical technology to keep you well.