"We have worked very hard to earn the Texas Ten Step designation," said Kina Wright, RN, director of Women's Services at the hospital. "We are proud to be a member of these select Texas facilities that promote healthy outcomes for our newest Texans."
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. Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital is providing an environment that creates positive outcomes for breastfeeding families.
Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital has implemented policies to support new mothers before, during and after delivery. These practices will help the facility increase the percentage of mothers that reach their breastfeeding goals and are an essential step toward meeting the Healthy People 2020 Breastfeeding Objectives.
Among the policies that a facility must maintain to acquire the Texas Ten Step designation are:
- Having trained staff available to assist breastfeeding mothers.
- Keeping mom and baby together during the hospital stay.
- Providing resources for continued care after discharge.
Celebrating their official designation as a Texas Ten Step Hospital – with the framed notice just above them – are these nurses from Memorial Hermann Northeast’s Women’s Center (from left) Paula Nabors, RN, Jody Roberts, RN, Eva Nebrida, RN, Kina Wright, RN, Kerry Pennington, RN, Dawn Gaare, RN, and Eva Nebrida, RN