TOPEKA, Kansas (April 11, 2024) – The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that the health system’s St. Francis Campus is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

The positive health effects of breastfeeding are well documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated that “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children.”

The health system’s St. Francis Campus joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 584 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

“St. Francis has long been a recognized leader in the care of women and newborns,” said Kristy Blake, director New Life Center. “This designation is a tribute to our commitment to ensuring that every woman who delivers a baby at our facility is given the resources, information and support needed to help her and her baby get the best, healthiest start in life.”

###

About The University of Kansas Health System

The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka is proud to be a part of a long legacy of high-quality, compassionate care. St. Francis Hospital began serving its community in 1909 as the mission of a group of Catholic nuns who rose to meet a need. Today, St. Francis Campus is jointly owned by The University of Kansas Health System and Ardent Health Services. It has 378 licensed inpatient beds, 21 primary and specialty care clinic locations – including a cancer center location in partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, and a history of technological advancements and dedicated staff. To learn more about The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, visit KUTopeka.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Debbie Cluck
Director of Marketing & Communications
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
223-260-2029