Health care
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Hospital invests in breastfeeding support
Texas Ten Step Facility Granted every two years, St. David’s Georgetown has met these criteria to earn the designation:
St. David’s Georgetown Hospital has been rec- ognized for providing a high level of breastfeeding education and support to patients in recent years. The hospital’s investments are designed to encour- age more new mothers to breastfeed their babies amid a 12% increase in deliveries since last year. The big picture Since 2021, St. David’s Georgetown has been recognized as a Texas Ten Step Facility. Texas Health and Human Services awards the designation to hospitals that have implemented policies, staff training, resources and procedures that educate patients on the benefits of breastfeeding and teach them best practices. “Having this Texas Ten Step designation ensures that the processes are up-to-date, effective and consistent for each [mom and baby],” a hospital official said. “It’s to provide them a lot of education so they can make informed decisions.”
The impact St. David’s Georgetown has seen a growing need for breastfeeding support. Each month, about 55% of mothers who deliver their babies at St. David’s Georgetown exclusively breastfeed. Breast milk can protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses, and decrease the risk of developing asthma, Type 1 diabetes and obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention. Breastfeeding can also lower the mother’s risk of developing chronic illnesses. Lactation consultants and St. David’s Georgetown staff help patients navigate challenges that may discourage them from breastfeeding. One more thing St. David’s Georgetown provides breastfeeding equipment through its Breast Pump Depot. The hospital is also looking to increase its supply of donor milk, which is available to all infants.
Have documented policies related to infant feeding
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2 Provide annual breastfeeding education to more than 50% of staff 3 Offer prenatal breastfeeding education classes 4 Educate mothers about immediate skin-to-skin contact with their baby after birth 5 Show mothers how to breastfeed 6 Offer educational materials 7 Educate mothers on rooming-in with their babies after birth 8 Teach mothers how to provide feeding on cue 9 Offer education about alternative feeding devices and pacifiers 10 Share community resources that mothers can use after being discharged
SOURCE: TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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