Elevating the standard of care
for mother and babies

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in collaboration with the Texas Hospital Association developed the Texas Ten Step Program in 1999 as a method to improve maternity care practices in birthing facilities. Policy development, education of staff, and provision of discharge resources for breastfeeding mothers are key initiatives of the program.

The program is based on the World Health Organization (WHO)/ United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a bundle of evidence-based practices proven to increase breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and is supported by the Texas Medical Association.