Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
Hays has received the “Community Supporting Breastfeeding Plus” designation from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc. (KBC). Hays is the fourth community in Kansas to receive this designation, which is given to communities that have taken action to foster a culture of breastfeeding support with a cross-sector approach.
According to Sarah Jolley, chair of the KBC board of directors, Hays received the “Community Supporting Breastfeeding Plus” designation for achieving a high level of support for breastfeeding as outlined in the designation’s seven criteria. Hays has built upon the foundation of the original “Community Supporting Breastfeeding” designation they earned in 2015 by expanding upon the original criteria to reinforce a supportive, equitable environment for breastfeeding families throughout the city of Hays.
Collaboration between local breastfeeding coalitions, businesses, and other partners increases the effectiveness and sustainability of support measures. The Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition worked with ten local employers, including Ellis County, Hays Medical Center, USD 489, First Care Clinic, and Fort Hays State University to foster a supportive environment for breastfeeding employees. They also assisted the Early Childhood Connections Early Head Start Center in achieving the “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Program” designation.
Emphasizing the critical role of community support in helping families achieve their infant feeding goals, Katie Givens, Executive Director of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), noted that breastfeeding success depends on more than clinical care Alone.
“Hays has built a strong network of support for families, demonstrating that breastfeeding is a community responsibility, not just the work of hospitals or health departments,” Givens said.
Research consistently shows that when parents have access to support from healthcare providers, employers, family members, community organizations, and peer networks, they are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals. Communities benefit from improved maternal and infant health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and fewer missed workdays for parents. Breastfeeding also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on manufactured feeding products and packaging Waste.
If breastfeeding rates were increased to meet recommended levels, Kansas could realize an estimated $26 million in annual healthcare savings while preventing approximately seven infant deaths and twenty-two maternal deaths each year. Jolley shared, "We applaud Hays for its ongoing commitment to creating a community where breastfeeding families feel supported and empowered. Their efforts provide a strong foundation for other communities looking to advance family-friendly practices.”
All Kansas communities are eligible for the “Community Supporting Breastfeeding Plus” Designation. Details about the designation are available at http://ksbreastfeeding.org/cause/communities-supporting-breastfeeding/.
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit 501(c) 3 with the mission to improve the health and well-being of Kansans by working collaboratively to promote, protect and support breastfeeding/human milk feeding. Membership in the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is open to the public.