McPherson Hospital has continued its commitment to infant and maternal health by earning recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
High 5 for Mom & Baby provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birthing centers implement evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.
To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow at least five of the ten evidence-based practices:
1. Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
2. Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support
3. All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding
4. Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
5. All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
7. Practice “rooming in” -allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
8. Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
9. Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
10. Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge
“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates McPherson Hospital’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”
Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom & Baby facility, McPherson Hospital also receives on-going education and training opportunities, support and resources through community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.
“We recognize that fed is best,” said Jacquie Disque, Director of the Women’s Care and Birth Center. “However we are here to support our moms in their breastfeeding journey so they feel empowered and successful. High 5 provides us with guidelines to make sure our staff is comfortable providing the support and education to our families. I’m proud of our staff for being recognized for their commitment to these standards of care.”