Maternal and Child Health
This page provides information about Maternal and Child Health.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) aims to improve the health of women of childbearing age, adolescents, children, infants, and children with special health care needs.
Call the Texas Lactation Support Hotline – 1-855-550-6667 for 24/7 breastfeeding help and support. The hotline is available to Texas families and health care providers with breastfeeding management questions. Get connected with breastfeeding experts including International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) aims to improve the health of women of childbearing age, adolescents, children, infants, and children with special health care needs. Our staff supports the development of family-centered, community-based, coordinated systems of care.
Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies | Child Health | Adolescent Health
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Systems Development Group
Title V State Block Grant Information
Hear Her Texas
More than 700 women die each year in the U.S. from pregnancy-related complications up to one year after giving birth. In Texas, approximately 4 out of 5 of these deaths are preventable.
We all have a role to play in preventing maternal deaths. The loss of one mother is one too many.
Visit Hear Her Texas to learn about urgent maternal warning signs and discover how you can help.
Safe Infant Sleep
In 2022, about 3,700 infants died from sleep-related death in the United States.
There are steps you - and everyone who cares for your baby - can take to ensure safe infant sleep.
Every caregiver can plan for safe infant sleep.
Every night. Every nap. Every feeding. Every time.
Visit dshs.texas.gov/SafeInfantSleep for more information on keeping your baby safe while sleeping.
Right From the Start
Over 80% of Texas women start breastfeeding their baby after birth but many are unable to meet their personal breastfeeding goals or reach the medical recommendation to feed only breast milk through the first six months of life.
The goal of the Right from the Start (RFTS) Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign is to improve infant health outcomes through improved breastfeeding policy and practices in Texas’ birthing hospitals.
Visit Right from the Start to learn more on how Texas hospitals can champion change in breastfeeding outcomes.
Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Program 
Thousands of Texas employers are committed to supporting their breastfeeding employees when they return to work.
Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites are businesses that support employees who choose to breastfeed their infants. Your business may qualify for designation as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite if you have a written and communicated lactation support policy.
Learn more on how your business can become designated as a Texas Mother Friendly Worksite at dshs.texas.gov/texas-mother-friendly-worksite.
Publications 
DSHS produces several publications, some of which are mandated by the Texas Legislature.
Topics include:
- Parenting and information for parents of newborns
- Safe sleep for babies
- Umbilical cord blood banking
You can find a description of each publication and a link to order them on the DSHS webpage.
The Texas Department of State Health Services does not endorse external links to other websites or documents created by other agencies. These links and documents are informational and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities.