PLAINVILLE — Rooks County Health Center, Plainville, has attained High 5 for Mom & Baby status, 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 practices crucial for a successful breastfeeding experience. High 5 for Mom & Baby was developed by the Hutchinson-based Health Fund
in conjunction with the Kansas Breastfeeding Workgroup.
Award Ceremony
Of the 58 hospitals and birth centers around the state now having made a commitment to the High 5 program, Rooks County Health Center is the 27th to qualify for the recognition.
The High 5 Program Coordinator, Gwen Whittit, RN, IBCLC, acknowledged the accomplishment with an award presentation during the health center’s Board of Directors meeting Tuesday, Nov. 22.
The Five Best Practices
According to Whittit, 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.
Nancy Sterling, RN, OB Nurse Manager/Childbirth Education Coordinator, facilitated the process of assuring the health center is meeting the standards of breastfeeding practices established for the High 5 program.
The educator for the High 5 program, Libby Rosen, PhD, RN, IBCLC, conducted on-site education classes at Rooks County Health Center attended by 13 staff and interested community members.
The Benefits
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 infant 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.
More information about the High 5 for Mom & Baby program is available at www.High5Kansas.org.