State-level planning and implementation. Note that these steps are written linearly, but may occur in a parallel or iterative process.

• Round up partners. Multiple partners, within and external to DSHS, were involved in supporting the formulation and implementation of the MFWPI. In particular, extensive partnerships were fostered around breastfeeding support activities in general and worksite lactation support in particular. Throughout the initiative, internal marketing communication efforts were heavily employed to keep current partners engaged and to expand the circle of partners aware of and buying into the initiative.
• Conduct assessment. Gather information about what is currently known about the baseline condition of worksite lactation support in your state. This could include labor analysis, literature reviews about worksite barriers, and stakeholder surveys.
• Develop strategy. Strategy development includes establishing strategies to administer and sustain the initiative as well as strategies for development of the initiative's framework. As part of strategy development, the project team should define the problem; set project goals, objectives and indicators; and define strategic target audiences. See Resources tab for ideas.
• Monitor and Evaluate. Regular, ongoing process monitoring, gathering of lessons learned, and communication with partners are critical. Make sure to use these results to adjust the program.
• Worksite-level planning implementation. Minimum requirements for worksites are less intensive (and some steps may be omitted or delayed), but worksites wishing to develop comprehensive programs should follow these steps. Please see resource tab for steps.
• Generate buy-in within worksites. Support from all levels of the worksite is important. Identification of senior management champion(s) is particularly important to help overcome barriers and communicate support to staff.
• Create a planning committee. To integrate diverse perspectives, increase buy-in, and ensure logistics are covered. Make sure to include decision makers and all essential parties.
• Complete a baseline assessment. To understand how the organization currently supports (or doesn't) worksite lactation.
• Assess current policies, environments, supports, needs, constraints and employee demographics to help determine the most appropriate type of program for the specific worksite.
• Develop a policy and apply for designation. The policy should clearly state roles and responsibilities of employers and employees. Once the policy is finalized, apply for the Mother-Friendly Designation!
• Plan for implementation. Outline options for your Mother-Friendly Worksite employee program in a written operating plan. This operating plan is your road map for action. Implement the program/plan. Don't forget part of this step is to communicate about your program. Don't forget to document lessons learned.
• Evaluate your program.The Texas Mother-Friendly website provides evaluation planning tools so that sites can consider how to gather feedback.

*For more detailed guidance on implementing,please visit CenterTRT Website.*