TOPEKA, Kan. (March 5, 2026) — The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus has earned recognition as a High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facility for the 11th consecutive year, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to strengthening maternal and infant health through evidence‑based maternity care practices.
High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, supports Kansas hospitals in implementing ten proven practices that promote breastfeeding success, encourage early bonding and support and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in maternal care. To receive Premier designation, hospitals must voluntarily complete a self‑evaluation and follow all ten standards, including maintaining staff competency in lactation support, providing individualized feeding counseling, supporting immediate skin‑to‑skin contact after birth and practicing rooming‑in.
“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” said Katie Schoenhoff, director of programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates St. Francis’ commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Factors that influence breastfeeding duration include hospital practices, education and encouragement, workplace support and access to community resources — making the training, policies and follow‑up services offered by High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities essential in helping mothers achieve their feeding goals.
At St. Francis, a team of nationally certified lactation consultants plays a key role in delivering this level of support. Consultants work directly with families throughout their stay in the New Life Center, offering hands‑on guidance, addressing feeding challenges and ensuring parents feel confident and supported as they transition home.
That support continues through the First Days Clinic, which is open seven days a week and staffed by certified lactation consultants. The clinic provides one‑on‑one assistance with latch and positioning, infant weight checks, feeding assessments, pumping support and individualized care plans for breastfeeding mothers. Appointments are available by calling 785‑270‑5072.
“Receiving this recognition for the 11th year in a row reflects the dedication of our entire team,” said Mandy Chapin, RN, IBCLC, lactation consultant at the New Life Center. “Families trust us with some of the most important moments in their lives. Our commitment to evidence‑based care not only improves outcomes for mothers and infants, it also increases patient satisfaction. We are honored to support families from their very first days together.”
As a High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facility, St. Francis Campus also receives ongoing education, training opportunities and support through a statewide network of maternity care providers. The continued recognition underscores the health system’s long‑standing mission to provide safe, equitable and family‑centered care for new parents throughout northeast Kansas.
For more information on High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, contact Cara Gerhardt, Program Coordinator: coordinator@high5kansas.org, or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/.
About the United Methodist Healthy Ministry Fund
The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (Health Fund) is a statewide health foundation that facilitates conversation and action to improve the health and wholeness of Kansans—especially those in rural and under-served communities. Through funding programs and ideas, providing hands-on expertise, and convening influencers, the Health Fund advances innovative solutions to improve Kansans’ health for generations to come. Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, the Health Fund has provided more than $75 million in grants and program support since its inception in 1986.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Terri Benson
Consumer Engagement Strategist/Media Relations
UKHS St. Francis Campus
785-295-8900
Terri.Benson@KUTopeka.com