The Labor and Delivery Unit at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) received its sixth consecutive “High 5 for Mom and Baby” designation, recognizing the unit’s commitment to infant and maternal health by assisting new mothers to successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.

The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a statewide organization headquartered in Hutchinson, founded High 5 for Mom and Baby to facilitate conversation and action to improve health outcomes throughout Kansas.

To achieve the designation, the Labor and Delivery Unit was required to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and follow a series of evidence-based practices. Included among those practices was a requirement to maintain staff competency in lactation support, provide all pregnant women with information and instruction on breastfeeding, assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth, and practice “rooming in,” which allows mothers and infants to remain together for 24 hours.

Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, commended the Labor and Delivery Unit for achieving this prestigious designation. “Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” Katie said. “Following the High 5 for Mom and Baby practices demonstrates Hutchinson Regional’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”

Along with recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom and Baby facility, Hutchinson Regional also receives ongoing education and training opportunities, support, and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities for further staff education.

Jill White, Director of Patient Care Services, echoed the sentiments of the unit she leads. “Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and Hutchinson Regional is honored to receive this recognition,” White said. “As a facility committed to providing the highest quality of care, we have found that the High 5 practices and resources not only improve our health outcomes, but they also increase patient satisfaction.”

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) said the Labor and Delivery Unit has an impressive track record of achieving designations and certifications representing a high quality of compassionate care for the patients they serve. “The leadership team at Hutchinson Regional is very proud of the work accomplished by the unit for both mothers and newborns,” Johnson said.