UMC is El Paso's only designated Baby-Friendly® hospital and a Texas 10 Step Program facility as designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texas 10 Step facilities are hospitals and birthing centers recognized for the support and promotion of breastfeeding through policy development, maternity care practices and resources for breastfeeding mothers. The program, developed by Texas Department of State Health Services, requires breastfeeding training for all facility staff and outlines specific steps to ensure breastfeeding support. The Texas Medical Association endorses the Texas 10 Step Program as a method to improve maternity care practices surrounding breastfeeding and springboard to being designated as a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
All registered nurses have at least 20-hours of lactation training and are available to offer breastfeeding support to patients. Additionally,16 CLC and 1 IBCLC trained Lactation Consultants have undergone even more detailed and rigorous training to assist with any challenges a mother might be facing with breastfeeding. They also offer educational support to help ensure patients succeed. Our vision is for all babies to receive skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and receive breast milk for first feed.
IBCLC Lactation Consultants
UMC is dedicated to helping mothers succeed at breastfeeding which is why we have IBCLC Lactation Consultants to offer support and guidance. IBCLC Lactation Consultants are RNs who have been specially trained in lactation services. A lactation expert is on-hand in our outpatient clinics and during a hospital stay. An appointment may be made with an IBCLC before delivery or after delivery for breastfeeding advice or assistance. The Texas Department of State Health Services has designated University Medical Center of El Paso as a Texas 10 Step Program facility. Texas 10 Step facilities are hospitals and birthing centers that are recognized for their support and promotion of breastfeeding through policy development, maternity care practices and resources for breastfeeding mothers.
Breastfeeding is a natural way to give a newborn the important nutrients a baby needs. Good nutrition is important, but especially during infancy and childhood because of its effects on growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a baby is exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months. Parents should avoid offering artificial nipples and pacifiers and moms and babies should practice skin-to-skin contact often. UMC strongly recommends a baby receives breast milk for first feed and offers professional support to mothers during pregnancy, during hospital stay and even after delivery through our Women’s Health Clinics.