Memorial Hospital Achieves High 5 Recognition

Memorial Hospital Achieves High 5 Recognition

 

Memorial Hospital in Abilene is now a ‘High 5 for Mom & Baby’ recognized hospital having integrated specific maternity care procedures based on the proven health benefits associated with breastfeeding and other key elements of bonding between mother and newborn.

The High 5 program, initiated, funded, and provided at no charge to Kansas hospitals by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, is founded on key hospital practices crucial for a successful breastfeeding experience. The ‘High 5 for Mom & Baby’ initiative was developed by the Hutchinson based Health Fund in conjunction with the Kansas Breastfeeding Workgroup.

Memorial Hospital is one of 58 hospitals and birth centers in Kansas having made a commitment to the program. The standards of the High 5 program are comprised of the five best practices:  assuring immediate, sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth; giving newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated; allowing ‘rooming in’ so mothers and infants can remain together 24 hours a day; not giving pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants; and providing mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community.

The nursing staff of Memorial Hospital’s Birthing Center attended on-site education classes to learn the process to make the changes necessary to adhere to the standards of breastfeeding practices established for the High 5 program.

Memorial Hospital chose to participate in this program because of the health benefits for both mom and baby.  Research indicates a link between not breastfeeding and increased health risks for a baby including high blood pressure, type 1 and 2 diabetes, asthma, ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, leukemia, and sudden infants death syndrome (SIDS) .  Studies also show a definite correlation to childhood and adolescent obesity for those who were not breastfed.  In addition, mothers derive health benefits. Those who breastfeed have a decreased incidence of premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

For more information, contact Brenda Moffitt, Memorial Hospital Chief Nursing Officer, at 263-6612 or visit www.High5Kansas.org.

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