Veronica Hendrix, LVN, IBCLC, RLC

Veronica Hendrix

Veronica Hendrix, LVN, IBCLC, RLC works for the Texas Department of State Health Services as the program coordinator for the Texas Ten Step program (TTS), a hospital-based breastfeeding support initiative. Funded through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, the TTS program designates birthing facilities’ that have taken initial steps to address the WHO/ UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. TTS facilities are required to be jointly designated through the Texas Mother Friendly Worksite program.

Veronica is passionate about improving the care that breastfeeding mothers receive in the first few days and weeks and believes that all hospitals should strive to provide evidenced-based recommended care for lactating mothers and their infants. She works to join community perinatal partner organizations like WIC with the local hospital systems in their communities to better address the “community steps”, Steps 3 (prenatal breastfeeding education) and 10 (post discharge support). By doing this, breastfeeding mothers receive a continuum of care and consistent messaging throughout their perinatal experience.

“Serving the community as an IBCLC in private practice and now serving the greater public at the state-level has been such a rewarding experience personally and professionally. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life and I support any young woman who asks me about doing the same.”

To date, 108 of Texas’ 270 birthing facilities are designated through the Texas Ten Step program. For more information, visit TexasTenStep.org or email Veronica at Veronica.Hendrix@dshs.state.tx.us.