Background

There are critical gaps in the rates of breastfeeding and safe sleep practices among newborns in Texas, with significant disparities affecting vulnerable populations. Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the most beneficial feeding method for infants, associated with reduced risks of infections, chronic conditions, and improved maternal health. A recent study using data from the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey, a biennial census of hospitals in the U.S. and territories that provide maternity care, found differences in breastfeeding practices within advanced neonatal care units (ANCU) by NICU level, Baby-Friendly hospital designation, and annual delivery volume, indicating opportunities for targeted interventions tailored to hospital settings. 

Similarly, adherence to safe sleep practices is critical for reducing preventable sleep-related infant deaths, which disproportionately impact historically underserved populations in Texas. In 2019, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was the fourth leading cause of infant mortality in the state, following congenital anomalies, prematurity, and complications of low birth weight. The 2022 AAP safe sleep guidelines emphasize placing infants on their backs for every sleep and ensuring a safe sleep environment to reduce risks of infant deaths in the sleep environment. 

This project will be the first TCHMB project to follow the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Breakthrough Series (BTS) Model. 

 For questions, please email tchmb-lassotx@uth.tmc.edu.