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
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All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding
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Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
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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
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Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
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Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
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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.