CTMC Receives 3rd Breastfeeding Re-Designation

“Our nurses are passionate about the benefits of breastfeeding and want to support all mothers who choose this path…”

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS – CTMC is proud to announce its re-designation as a Texas 10-Step Program hospital.

The status recognizes hospitals that are aligned with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The designation is awarded to facilities that are committed to improving breastfeeding outcomes and are Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites.

Avis Harris-Caldwell, director of CTMC’s Women’s Center, shares, “Our nurses are passionate about the benefits of breastfeeding and want to support all mothers who choose this path. We’ve created a nurturing environment for moms and dads to learn about breastfeeding and leave for home with confidence in their skills.”

The ten steps CTMC has implemented to support parents in their breastfeeding goals include:

1. Establish a breastfeeding policy
2. Train healthcare staff in breastfeeding support skills
3. Inform pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth. Place babies skin-to-skin immediately following birth for at least an hour.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if separated from their babies (such as NICU).
6. Do not offer breastfeeding infants food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated.
7. Rooming in – allow moms and babies to remain together 24 hours a day.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Do not offer artificial nipples or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants.
10. Foster breastfeeding support groups.

Elsie Graves, Chief Nursing Officer for CTMC, adds, “We recognize the long-term benefits breastfeeding brings to our youngest Texans and we are committed to giving them the best opportunity for a breastfeeding start in life. Almost 1000 babies are born at CTMC each year, and our Women’s Center nurses are well equipped to meet their needs.”