Via Christi Earns High 5 for Mom & Baby Honors in Wichita and Manhattan

Via Christi maternity centers in Wichita and Manhattan are being recognized for their continued commitment to infant and maternal health through the High 5 for Mom & Baby program.

Developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, the program aims to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates across Kansas. The NewLife Center at Via Christi St. Joseph in Wichita earned the "Premier" recognition, while the Birth and Women's Center at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan was again recognized for its adherence to evidence-based maternity care.

The Wichita facility has been selected by the program every year since its inception in 2015. The Manhattan hospital has maintained its recognition for six consecutive years.

Both facilities prioritize breastfeeding as the clinical gold standard for infant nutrition.

In Wichita: The NewLife Center offers prenatal breastfeeding classes, one-on-one visits with certified lactation consultants during hospital stays, and ongoing support through its Breastfeeding Clinic. The clinic is staffed five days a week by registered nurses who are board-certified in lactation consulting.

In Manhattan: The team includes an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and two Certified Lactation Counselors who provide in-hospital support, education and follow-up appointments to empower new mothers.

"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 these practices demonstrates a commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding."

To achieve Premier recognition, facilities like the NewLife Center must follow all 10 of the program's evidence-based practices. These include maintaining staff competency, assuring immediate skin-to-skin contact, practicing "rooming in" so mothers and infants remain together 24 hours a day, and avoiding the use of pacifiers or artificial nipples for breastfeeding infants.

The High 5 honors are the latest in a series of accolades for both hospitals:

In 2026, Via Christi St. Joseph was named one of the "Best Hospitals for Maternity Care" by U.S. News & World Report-the only Wichita hospital to receive the honor this year. It also received the "Best Place to Have a Baby" gold award in The Wichita Eagle's 2025 Best of Wichita contest.

Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's "Best Hospitals for Maternity Care" for five consecutive years. It was also designated a Maternity Care Access Hospital in 2024 and 2025 for its role in serving communities at risk of becoming maternity care deserts.

Learn more about High 5 for Mom & Baby program here: https://high5kansas.org.