GRMC. A Texas Ten Step Baby Friendly Hospital

Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mom and baby. That’s why GRMC is a proud member of the Texas Ten Step (TTS) Program. TTS is designed to help hospitals like us support mothers in breastfeeding before, during and after delivery. As an expecting or new mom, it’s important for you to know the steps that make GRMC designated as a TTS baby friendly hospital.

All Texas Ten Step hospitals must:

• Have a written policy that is routinely communicated to all healthcare staff.
• Train all healthcare staff in the skills necessary to implement the policy.
• Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
• Place babies in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers immediately after birth for at least an hour.
• Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth.
• Encourage mothers to recognize when their babies are ready to breastfeed and offer help if needed.
• Encourage breastfeeding on demand. Teach mothers cue-based feeding, regardless of feeding method.
• Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they should be separated from their infants.
• Give infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated.
• Practice rooming-in. Allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
• Give no artificial nipples or pacifiers to breastfeeding infants.
• Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from hospital.

The Birthing Center at GRMC is delivering world-class care, right here in Seguin. For more information on TTS, breastfeeding, or to schedule a tour of The Birthing Center, call 830.401.7530.

*The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.