(Pittsburg, KS) – Based on a commitment to the health and well-being of its youngest patients, Mercy Hospital Pittsburg has been recognized by a third-party nonprofit for its infant feeding practices.
High 5 for Mom & Baby is a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (UMHF) to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas. UMHF is a statewide health foundation that facilitates conversation and action to improve the health and wholeness of Kansans, especially those in rural and underserved communities.
High 5 for Mom & Baby provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birthing centers implement evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.
“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition,” said David Smith, administrator of Mercy Pittsburg. “We’re committed to providing the highest quality of care, and our caregivers have earned this recognition.”
“We’re here to assist new moms in the journey that is childbirth,” said Miranda Caskey, lactation consultant at Mercy Pittsburg. “We know that for some moms, breastfeeding is challenging, but our teams are here to provide support and guidance no matter what path a family chooses for their little ones.”
To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition, a hospital is required to follow various practices such as supporting breastfeeding mothers, maintaining staff competency in lactation support, allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day and more.
“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” said Katie Schoenhoff, director of programs at United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates Mercy Hospital Pittsburg’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”
About Mercy
Mercy, one of the 20 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized quality care and one of the nation’s largest Accountable Care Organizations. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 45,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Reference:
Jordan Larimore, Senior Media Relations & Communications
Mercy Hospital Joplin
409.550.2928
jordan.larimore@mercy.net
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