About
Best Practices for Breastfeeding Success
Kansas hospitals and birth centers play a crucial role in the initiation of breastfeeding and a mother’s success in continuing to breastfeed after leaving the facility.
Through participation in High 5 for Mom & Baby, Kansas hospitals and birth centers can demonstrate their commitment to infant and maternal health by supporting breastfeeding success.
Facilities following at least five practices earn recognition as a High 5 for Mom & Baby facility. Those which follow all ten practices earn the High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition.
Ten Hospital Practices for Successful Breastfeeding
The ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices are based on the WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding - evidence-based practices proven to increase breastfeeding success and reduce racial and ethnic disparities.
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Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy addressing the High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support
All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding
Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling
High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities complete at least 5/10 PRACTICES
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Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
Practice “rooming in” - allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge
High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facilities complete ALL 10 PRACTICES
Apply to become a recognized High 5 for Mom & Baby or High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier site.
Currently recognized facilities: please complete your annual renewal survey here
Facilities new to High 5: please complete this application form and agreement
Please e-mail any questions to:
Cara Gerhardt BSN, RN, IBCLC
Program Coordinator
High 5 for Mom & Baby
Please be sure to upload copies of any/all current breastfeeding policies from your facility as well.
Thank you for your interest in the High 5 for Mom & Baby and High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier programs.