(JUNCTION CITY, Kan., March 25, 2024) – Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus has continued its commitment to improving 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.
This program provides resources and a framework to help hospitals and birth facilities implement practices that support successful breastfeeding, leading to better maternal and infant health outcomes and reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.
To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition, Flint Hills Campus must complete a voluntary, selfreported evaluation and follow at least 5 of the 10 evidence-based practices:
1. Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all 10 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 Stormont Vail'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, the Flint Hills Campus also receives ongoing education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further team education.
MollyPatt Eyestone
Communications Supervisor