Via Christi Manhattan
Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has continued its commitment to infant and maternal health by once again earning recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
“The team at our Birth and Women’s Center does an exceptional job in going above and beyond to provide
compassionate, personalized care before, during, and after delivery,” says Bob Copple, president of Via
Christi Hospital in Manhattan. “This latest recognition joins the many we’ve received in the past several
years for maternity care and is another example of the quality of care our team provides.”
The hospital’s team includes breastfeeding specialists, including one International Board Certified
Lactation Consultant and two Certified Lactation Counselors, who lead in-hospital support, education and
follow-up appointments to empower mothers for a successful breastfeeding journey.
To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition, facilities must complete a voluntary and self-reported
evaluation and follow at least five evidence-based practices. These practices are designed to increase
the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding, which has been shown to provide optimal nutrition and
immune support for infants, reduce the risks of certain cancers in mothers, and promote maternal-infant
bonding. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six out of 10 mothers stopped
breastfeeding sooner than they had planned.
“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff,
Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the High 5 for Mom & Baby
practices demonstrates Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan’s commitment to infant and maternal health by
helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”
Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan has earned multiple recognitions for its commitment to quality care for
mothers and infants. For four consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized the hospital
as one of the nation’s “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.” In 2025, U.S. News additionally named it as a
Maternity Care Access Hospital for its essential role in serving underserved communities at risk of
becoming maternity care deserts.
