HaysMed Renewed as a High 5 for Mom & Baby
Hays, Kansas (Feb 17, 2017). The High 5 for Mom and Baby program HaysMed has received recognition renewal for another year. HaysMed originally received the initial recognition in 2014 and were the fifth hospital in Kansas to receive this designation. Hospitals are now required to renew on an annual basis.
The High 5 program — initiated, funded, and provided at no charge to Kansas hospitals by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund — is based on five key hospital practices crucial for a successful breastfeeding experience.
The five best practices comprising the High 5 for Mom & Baby standards are: • 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.
“Our staff’s ongoing commitment to excellence in maternity care reassures parents planning to breastfeed that they will be in the best possible hands.” Said Jessica Seib, RN/BSN, IBCLC, OB/Peds Staff Development Coordinator. The benefits to breastfeeding offer numerous health benefits for mothers and babes which last a lifetime.
Seib noted that they have expanded their lactation services to include two RNs who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and established an outpatient lactation clinic where mothers who are having breastfeeding challenges can come for additional support once they have been dismissed.
As a part of this redesignation, the High 5 program reaffirms its commitment to supporting HaysMed through technical assistance and learning opportunities to ensure that the staff skills continue to improve while safeguarding the best outcomes for the moms and babies.
For more information contact the Women/Infant Services at 785-623-5000 or https://www.haysmed.com/women-infant-services/
