News Five Seton Hospitals Designated as Texas Ten Step Facilities

AUSTIN, TX - (August 7, 2009) -Seton Family of Hospitals birthing facilities have been designated as a 2010 Texas Ten Step Facility by the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Hospital Association. These hospitals include Seton Medical Center Austin, Seton Medical Center Williamson, Seton Northwest, Seton Southwest and University Medical Center Brackenridge. This annual designation is awarded to birthing facilities that provide optimal care to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

The Texas Medical Association officially endorsed the Texas Ten Step Program in 2009 to encourage hospitals to create an environment that supports the breastfeeding mother. Health professionals agree that breastfeeding is the first step toward a healthy life. Seton is providing an environment that creates positive outcomes for breastfeeding families.

"Seton's medical staff has worked very hard to earn the Texas Ten Step designation," said Susan Crane, RNC-NIC, MBA, MSN, HC, NEA-BC, Vice President of Neonatal Services for the Seton Family of Hospitals. "And we are proud to be a member of these select Texas facilities that promote the healthiest outcomes for our newest Texans."

Seton's hospitals have implemented 10 goals or 'steps' to support mothers who intend to breastfeed their infants before, during, and after delivery. These practices will help the facility meet Texas Breastfeeding Initiative's goal of having 75 percent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding when they go home with their newborn. This is an essential step toward longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding after discharge.

Among the goals that a facility must maintain to acquire the Texas Ten Step designation are training staff within the first six months of employment and offering annual updates. Staff provides the mother with resources to get continued care after discharge as well. The information provided allows staff to give mothers the care that they need in order to succeed in breastfeeding.