July 30, 2021
Great Bend, Kansas — The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus has earned recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby, a program to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
High 5 for Mom & Baby, developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, helps Kansas hospitals and birthing centers implement evidence-based practices. These data-driven guidelines support successful breastfeeding, which improves maternal and infant health outcomes and reduces racial and ethnic health disparities.
To achieve High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition, each facility completes a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and follows at least 5 of the 10 evidence-based practices.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace and access to community support.
High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.
As part of the recognition, the Great Bend Campus receives ongoing education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.