DeTar Hospital North Earns Texas Ten Step Designation, Strengthening Commitment to Moms and Babies
4/16/2026
Enhanced breastfeeding support and family-centered care remain at the forefront of DeTar’s maternity services
DeTar Hospital North is proud to announce its designation by Texas Health and Human Services as a Texas Ten Step (TTS) facility, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to improving maternity care and breastfeeding support for families across the Crossroads.
This prestigious designation recognizes hospitals that implement evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding and healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies. DeTar first received this designation in 2018 and reapplies every two years for redesignation, ensuring that quality maternity care and breastfeeding support stays at the forefront.
At DeTar Hospital North, these practices include early skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in to keep mothers and babies together, and staff training in breastfeeding support and management. These efforts align with the nationally recognized Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which promote breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond.
“Our Texas Ten Step designation reflects our deep commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care for every family we serve,” said Mary Claire Bradshaw, director of DeTar’s Women & Children’s Center. “We want every family to feel confident and supported, whether they’re facing early feeding challenges or simply seeking reassurance. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection.”
In Texas, while approximately 83 percent of new mothers begin breastfeeding in the hospital, only 23 percent continue exclusively through six months. Programs like Texas Ten Step are designed to bridge that gap by fostering environments where informed feeding decisions are supported every step of the way.
DeTar further strengthens this support through personalized lactation services. Families have access to one-on-one appointments with a certified lactation consultant who provides individualized guidance and hands-on support.
“As a lactation consultant, my goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence they need,” said Estefania Cobb, BSN, RN, IBCLC, DeTar lactation consultant. “Whether it’s helping with latch adjustments or troubleshooting supply concerns, I’m here to make breastfeeding a positive experience tailored to each family’s unique needs.”
Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for infants, including a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), ear infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, asthma and childhood obesity. It also provides financial benefits, with families potentially saving between $900 and $2,000 annually in healthcare and formula costs.
“Expectant mothers trust us to guide them through some of life’s most meaningful moments,” Bradshaw added. “It is our responsibility to provide care that supports, protects, and promotes the health of both mom and baby from the very beginning.”
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