Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (Thomson) recently welcomed peers from across the healthcare community for the Latihan Hands-On Bimbingan Kecemerlangan BFHI session. Bringing together nursing leaders and a neonatologist from 20 private hospitals, the session became a meaningful platform for shared learning and reflection while highlighting Thomson’s own journey towards achieving the prestigious Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) status.

BFHI compliance monitoring and documentation session
Photo: Thomson Hospital

 

The session also offered an honest and insightful look into realities behind the achievement as Thomson’s Director of Nursing shared what it truly takes to move beyond meeting standards on paper. The journey called for meaningful transformation spanning clinical practice reforms, shifts in staff mindset, policy alignment, continuous audits, and ongoing education across all levels of care. It was not without its challenges. Along the way, the team navigated operational pressures, uncertainties, and resource constraints. Yet, each obstacle became a catalyst that strengthens resilience and reinforces a shared sense of purpose.

In the spirit of openness, the discussion went beyond successes. The team candidly reflected on the hurdles encountered, the corrective actions taken, and the discipline required to sustain quality improvements. Achieving BFHI status was never just about compliance, it was about embracing a deeper cultural transformation, anchored in leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence across every department.

The team highlighting Thomson’s own journey towards achieving BFHI status.
Photo: Thomson Hospital

Achieving the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) Certification

Thomson Hospital’s BFHI Certificate
Photo: Thomson Hospital

 

Thomson Hospital’s journey towards the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) certification began in early 2024, following its engagement with the National Lactation Centre (NLC). From there, a dedicated BFHI Committee was formed, supported by structured training, staff upskilling, and the implementation of key monitoring tools. Alongside this, Thomson strengthened patient awareness through antenatal education, postnatal guidance and enhanced facilities such as a Breastfeeding Counselling Bay and improved breastfeeding rooms. Clear policies, educational materials and digital content further reinforced these efforts, each step bringing the hospital closer to accreditation.

A highlight of the session was the hands‑on sharing of Thomson’s practices including compliance monitoring, delivery room observations and demonstrations of skin-to-skin care and Acceptable, Feasible, Affordable, Sustainable, and Safe (AFASS) principles.

This milestone was made possible with the guidance of the National Lactation Centre (NLC), and Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Selangor (JKNS).

Today, Thomson stands amongst a select group of hospitals in Malaysia recognised with BFHI status reflecting a shared commitment to giving every newborn the best possible start in life.

 

 

Teams from the National Lactation Centre and Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Selangor (JKNS) at our Thomson Hospital’s BFHI assessment.
Photo: Thomson Hospital