Methodist Mansfield honored for breastfeeding program

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is proud to announce its re-designation as a Texas Ten Step Hospital Partner with a score of 99. This designation is provided by Texas Health and Human Services that recognizes birthing facilities that implement policies and practices that follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The hospital has been a Texas Ten Step facility since 2009 and is an important milestone in our commitment to continuing to improve maternity care and optimal breastfeeding support for new moms and their babies.

As part of the Texas Ten Step program, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center aligns with the World Health Organization and UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, an initiative that supports moms and their babies with breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding exclusivity for a minimum of six months and the continuation of breastfeeding for a year and beyond.

As a designated partner, Methodist Mansfield has improved overall patient breastfeeding rates by implementing evidence-based health care practices, including facilitating early skin-to-skin, babies rooming-in with their mother, training staff on breastfeeding management, lactation support, and more. All practices are designed to set new moms and their babies up for successful breastfeeding, improved infant health and increased overall patient satisfaction. Studies show that when mothers experience Ten Step practices in the birthing facility, they are more likely to reach their goals of exclusive breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding is a journey, and no mother should have to navigate alone, says Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Nora Frasier, DNP, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, FAONL. “At Methodist Mansfield, we take a collaborative, team-based approach to ensure every mother receives the education, support, and encouragement she needs to feel confident and empowered in feeding her baby. Our adoption of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in 2009 reflects our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of both moms and their babies.”

In Texas, 86 percent of new moms choose to breastfeed in the hospital, but only 24 percent continue to exclusively breastfeed until their baby is six months of age. The TTS program works with birthing facilities to develop environments where policies and practices support mothers’ informed infant feeding decisions. Improving maternity practices is also particularly important for families who are most vulnerable to poor health outcomes.

While health disparities have an impact on racial and ethnic groups and those living in low-income and rural communities, breastfeeding can serve as an equalizer to ensure every baby gets a healthy start. Research indicates that when the Ten Steps are followed, racial disparities in breastfeeding initiation are reduced.

Breastfeeding provides health benefits for baby, such as reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), necrotizing enterocolitis, ear infections, stomach-related infections, asthma and childhood obesity. In addition to health impacts, breastfeeding a baby for one year could save a family between $900 and $2,000 in annual health care and formula expenses.

“Expectant mothers turn to Methodist Mansfield Women Services Department for trusted guidance as they grow their families and care for their newborns,” says Frasier. “It is our team’s responsibility and privilege to deliver maternity care that supports, protects, and promotes breastfeeding for Mansfield’s newest citizens, placing their health and well-being at the center of all we do.”

Developed in 1999 by Texas HHSC, Texas Ten Step recognizes birthing facilities that implement policies and practices that support moms and their babies with breastfeeding initiation. The program entails the incremental adoption and implementation of evidence-based practices that align with the World Health Organization and UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

For more information on the Texas Ten Step program, visit texastenstep.org.

‍