January 2026 Quick Reads
MCH Impact Partners
As we step into 2026, momentum is building across Texas and nationally to improve maternal and infant outcomes. At MCH Impact Partners, our focus this year is connection, collaboration, and action—strengthening systems that support families before, during, and after birth.
What’s Ahead for MCH Impact Partners in 2026
New Bi-Monthly Virtual Research Series (Launching Soon)
We’re launching a bi-monthly virtual research connection series for Texas-based maternal and child health researchers—designed to bridge academic and community-based research, reduce silos, and spark collaboration across disciplines.
📌 Open to researchers, evaluators, students, and community organizations working in maternal health, infant health, lactation, doulas, and health equity.
📩 Sign up to participate in calls beginning in February 2026.
Houston Area Maternal and Infant Collaboration and Learning Lab
We’re forming a steering committee to plan a half-day, action-oriented convening in Houston for:
Community Health Workers (CHWs)
Doulas
Lactation Consultants
Goal: Align roles, address system barriers, and strengthen referral pathways for pregnant and postpartum families.
Interested in partnering or helping shape this work? We’d love to connect.
Texas and National Highlights
Car Seat Safety: Safe Riders Applications Open
The 2026 Safe Riders Distribution Partner Site application is now available through the Texas Department of State Health Services.
🗓 Deadline: March 10, 2026 (5:00 p.m. CST)
📬 Notifications: March 24, 2026
📞 1-800-252-8255 | saferiders@dshs.texas.gov
SUID & Infant Mortality Conference – Houston
A new partnership between the Aaron Matthew SIDS Research Guild and the Isabel Davis Center for Safe Children launches a joint national conference:
📍 Houston, TX
🗓 March 16–18, 2026 (March 18 is a half day)
Lactation and Policy Updates
The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee shared major updates including:
2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reaffirm exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or longer, aligning with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
PUMP Act expansion now includes rail and motorcoach workers, extending workplace lactation protections as of December 29, 2025.
NIH IMPROVE Act introduced, aiming to provide sustained funding for maternal health research.
Funding & Learning Opportunities
Funding
Health Resources and Services Administration – MCH Workforce Development and Training Center
🗓 Deadline: May 26National Institutes of Health – Maternal Medications and Human Milk Research Center
🗓 Deadline: March 2
Upcoming Events
Jan 12: Center for Science in the Public Interest — New Dietary Guidelines briefing
Jan 13: University of Pittsburgh — PRAMS Public Comment Writing Workshop
Doula Support Spotlight
HealthConnect One launched the “Doulas Are For Everybody” campaign—elevating community-based doulas and reinforcing their role on every care team.
Calls to Action
Protect PRAMS – Public Comment Due January 20
PRAMS is one of the only data systems capturing breastfeeding and postpartum experiences beyond the hospital stay. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee has created a public comment template to support the field.
🔗 Submit comments by Tuesday, January 20
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/21/2025-20583/proposed-data-collection-submitted-for-public-comment-and-recommendations
Join the Texas Breastfeeding Coalition
The Texas Breastfeeding Coalition membership drive is open.
Because lasting change happens when systems—not just individuals—improve.
🔗 Join here: https://texasbfc.org/join-now
