Peer Counseling Texas Ten Step Lactation SupportEvery Ounce Counts CampaignTexas Law on Breastfeeding
When I had my baby, I knew I wanted to breastfeed, but wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it. With the encouragement and support of the hospital staff, my baby and I got off to a good start. Now breastfeeding just comes naturally. 
Diana Garcia
Breastfeeding Mother
(delivered at a
Texas Ten Step facility)
Texas Ten Step - A Texas Ten Step hospital or birthing center is there to support your choice to breastfeed and give your baby a healthy start.
Facilities earn this designation by providing care that supports breastfeeding. A Texas Ten Step facility has trained staff and policies that will protect your decision to give your infant the very best.
- Breastfeeding is the preferred method of newborn feeding.
- Employees who care for mothers, newborns and infants should receive breastfeeding training within six months of employment, with updates provided on a regular basis.
- Breastfeeding is presented as the feeding choice for mothers. All mothers will be taught how to breastfeed even if they are separated from their infant.
- Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their newborn within one hour of birth (within 30 minutes is ideal).
- Breastfeeding will be assessed within six hours after birth and once per shift.
- Newborns should be given breastmilk substitutes only if it is medically indicated and ordered by the physician or requested by the patient.
- Mothers and newborns should be encouraged to room-in unless separation is medically indicated.
- Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed newborns without restriction. Breastfeeding should take priority over non-emergency events.
- Artificial nipples should be discouraged for the healthy newborn.
- Breastfeeding mothers should receive support following discharge.
If there is no Texas Ten Step facility in your area, talk to your healthcare provider about choosing a facility that will support your desire to breastfeed
If you have any questions about the program please email Kristina Arrieta, Kristina.arrieta@dshs.state.tx.us
If you can, try to find a hospital or birthing center that is a Texas Ten Step facility. Texas Ten Step facilities require breastfeeding training for all their staff and encourage policies that ensure breastfeeding support.
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