McPHERSON, Kan. – McPherson Center for Health has been recognized as a High 5 for Mom & Baby facility, honoring the hospital’s commitment to providing evidence-based maternity care that supports healthy beginnings for mothers and their babies. The recognition is awarded through the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund’s High 5 for Mom & Baby program, which helps Kansas hospitals implement best practices that encourage successful infant feeding and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
McPherson Center for Health has maintained its High 5 for Mom & Baby designation for almost 10 consecutive years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to providing exceptional care for mothers and newborns. To maintain this recognition, Women’s Care and Birth Center staff complete annual training that includes hands-on education and online learning modules, ensuring the latest evidence-based maternity and infant feeding practices are consistently delivered to every family.
At McPherson Center for Health, caring for growing families extends far beyond the delivery room. From pregnancy through the postpartum journey, the Women’s Care and Birth Center team is dedicated to providing personalized education, compassionate support, and high-quality care tailored to each family’s unique needs.
To earn High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition, hospitals voluntarily complete an evaluation and demonstrate their commitment to implementing at least five evidence-based practices that promote breastfeeding success and support healthy newborn development. These practices include providing breastfeeding education, encouraging immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, offering individualized feeding support, promoting rooming-in, and connecting families with community resources after discharge.
“Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most meaningful moments, and we’re honored to be part of that journey,” said Jacquie Disque, RN, Director of Women’s Care and Birth Center. “Receiving High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition reflects our team’s commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps families feel supported, informed, and confident from the moment their baby arrives. We want every mother to know she has a team beside her, whether she chooses to breastfeed or simply needs guidance as she begins this new chapter.”
The High 5 for Mom & Baby program recognizes that the support families receive during their hospital stay plays an important role in achieving their infant feeding goals. Through ongoing staff education and evidence-based care, McPherson Center for Health is committed to helping parents make informed decisions and providing the resources they need for a healthy start at home.
That support continues after families leave the hospital through partnerships with local public health agencies. McPherson Center for Health partners with the Saline County Health Department to provide in-person lactation consultations for families who need additional breastfeeding support after discharge. Saline County Health Department also offers home visits to check on mothers and babies, provide education, answer questions, and mentor families during the newborn transition.
The McPherson County Health Department is another important community partner, offering access to lactation consultants as well as assistance with WIC enrollment and ongoing nutrition support. Together, these partnerships help ensure families have the resources and encouragement they need throughout their infant feeding journey.
As a recognized High 5 for Mom & Baby facility, McPherson Center for Health also receives continued education opportunities, access to best practices, and collaboration with other maternity care teams across Kansas, helping ensure local families continue to receive exceptional care close to home.
For more information about the High 5 for Mom & Baby program, visit high5kansas.org. or visit the McPherson Center for Health website, mcphersoncenterforhealth.org
