Lactation And Safe Sleep Opportunities in Texas (LASSO – TX)
The goal of the LASSO-TX Project is to develop a TCHMB-led quality improvement (QI) initiative focused on improving breastfeeding and use of mother’s own milk for Texas infants, along with promotion of safe infant sleep best practices.
Background
Enrollment Information
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.
Email questions to tchmb-lassotx@uth.tmc.edu.
Hospital Enrollment Now Open!
Enroll by November 15, 2025
Participation is open to all Texas hospitals with Level I-IV neonatal designations!
Participating hospitals will:
Engage in three in-person learning sessions (scheduled for February, June, and October 2026)
Participate in monthly coaching calls and peer learning activities (March 2026 - March 2027)
Receive QI tools, resources, and expert faculty support
Submit monthly, de-identified, aggregate-level data to guide improvement (February 2026 - February 2027)
*Enrollment Deadline: November 15, 2025
Informational Webinar Recording
Watch the recording to learn about the Lactation and Safe Sleep Opportunities in Texas (LASSO-TX) initiative, a statewide quality improvement project led by TCHMB. The session covers hospital enrollment, timelines, and key project details. Enrollment for Texas hospitals (Level I-IV Neonatal Designation) is open through November 15, 2025.