The staff at Austin Women’s Hospital had a lot to celebrate recently during World Breastfeeding Week. The facility was recently designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a Texas Ten Step Member for the second year in a row. The Texas Ten Step Program is an effort to promote breastfeeding and improve the overall health of Texas mothers and their newborns. One of the goals of the program is to have at least 75 percent of mothers breastfeeding upon discharge. Austin Women’s Hospital has exceeded this goal as a direct result of the dedication of their nursing staff.

The hospital not only recognizes the importance of suporting its breastfeeding patients, but they also support their staff in this valuable endeavor. Earlier this year the facility also received the designation of a Mother-Friendly Worksite which encourages lower absteeism, fewer health insurance claims and a more positive community image.