Have a written breastfeeding policy for your facility that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
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The Ten Steps
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.
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Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement the infant feeding policy.
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Inform all pregnant women on the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
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Skin-to-Skin Contact
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Support mom’s decision to breastfeed
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Give babies no food or drink other than breastmilk
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Practice Rooming-In
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Encourage feeding on cue
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Counsel mothers on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats and pacifiers.
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Establish Breastfeeding Support after Discharge