Building Stronger Systems for Mothers and Babies: January 2026 Insights from Across Texas
MCH Impact Partners shares clear, practical insights that strengthen maternal and child health systems in Texas and beyond. Each post highlights data, policy updates, and real solutions that support healthier futures for mothers, babies, children, and communities. Our work connects research with action to help leaders, practitioners, and families improve care where it matters most.
At MCH Impact Partners, we are committed to strengthening maternal and infant health systems through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions. Each month, we highlight new data, statewide initiatives, and opportunities for leaders and communities to work together to support families across Texas.
This month’s blog focuses on three key areas:
The March of Dimes 2025 Report Card for Texas
The Texas Breastfeeding Coalition’s updated website and 2026 membership launch
A priority recommendation from the Texas Lactation Consultant Landscape Analysis
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Texas Earns a “D” on the March of Dimes 2025 Report Card
The March of Dimes 2025 Report Card offers an important look at how states are performing on maternal and infant health. Texas received a grade of D, signaling ongoing challenges in early outcomes and access to care.
Key findings for Texas:
43,344 babies were born preterm in 2024.
Texas ranks 40th of 52 (including all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico) with a preterm birth rate of 11.1 percent.
Texas is among the top twenty states with the lowest severe maternal morbidity rates, suggesting progress in hospital-based maternal care.
Texas is implementing two of six March of Dimes initiatives designed to improve maternal and infant health statewide.
These findings show both urgent needs and early signs of progress. Preterm birth continues to affect thousands of families each year. However, improvements in maternal morbidity and the expansion of statewide initiatives demonstrate momentum toward better systems of care.
Explore the data in your community
Local trends vary widely across Texas. Communities experiencing higher preterm birth rates often face barriers to transportation, postpartum support, or clinical services.
Use the March of Dimes PeriStats tool to explore county-level data and identify local needs:
https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/
Texas Breastfeeding Coalition: New Website and 2026 Membership Drive
The Texas Breastfeeding Coalition (TXBC) has launched a redesigned website and opened membership for 2026. This update makes it easier for families, advocates, and providers to find resources, engage in policy work, and connect with partners statewide.
Why TXBC Membership Matters
Membership supports:
Community-informed policy efforts
Training and professional development
Shared tools that make it easier for families to find lactation support
A statewide network of leaders committed to reducing disparities in feeding support
If you work in maternal and infant health, lactation support, community-based services, or advocacy, membership is a meaningful way to strengthen the statewide network.
Explore the TXBC website: https://texasbfc.org
Join or renew membership for 2026: https://texasbfc.org/join-now
Priority Recommendation: Clarifying Medicaid Payment Structures for Lactation Consultants
The Texas Lactation Consultant Landscape Analysis, conducted by MCH Impact Partners with support from the Episcopal Health Foundation, highlights several urgent needs across the lactation workforce.
One of the most significant recommendations calls for clear, consistent Medicaid policy and payment structures for lactation consultants, particularly during Texas House Bill 136 implementation.
Why this matters for families and providers
Families with Medicaid coverage face persistent barriers when seeking lactation care. Payment and authorization processes vary across Managed Care Organizations. These inconsistencies can delay care or limit the number of visits available.
The Landscape Analysis recommends:
Defining benefits that cover both the parent and infant when clinically needed
Standardizing billing codes, modifiers, and documentation rules
Allowing time-based billing that reflects visit complexity
Increasing technical assistance and training to support workforce growth
Improving Medicaid structures can help families across urban and rural communities receive timely, skilled lactation support and can strengthen the long-term stability of the workforce.
Read the full Landscape Analysis on our website: https://www.mchimpact.com/projects
Stay Connected
MCH Impact Partners publishes a monthly newsletter with updates on maternal and infant health, state and national policy shifts, new tools, and collaborative opportunities across Texas.
Sign up for our newsletter:
By joining, you will receive early access to insights, publications, and opportunities to collaborate on systems-level solutions that support mothers, babies, and communities.
MCH Impact Partners Insights: Breastfeeding Funding Opportunity
MCH Impact Partners provides practical maternal and child health insights grounded in research, policy, and lived experiences. Our blog highlights Texas Medicaid changes, workforce development, lactation consultant policy, maternal and infant health disparities, and community-driven solutions. Each post supports leaders, providers, and families working to build stronger, more accessible systems of care.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
NACCHO’s Community of Practice (CoP) for Local Health Departments (LHDs): Strengthening Breastfeeding Initiatives
Apply now to join NACCHO’s Strengthening Breastfeeding Initiatives Community of Practice (CoP) for LHDs! NACCHO will support the advancement of breastfeeding initiatives at local health departments (LHDs) by providing technical assistance, resources, and access to national experts. Through the CoP, LHD representatives will share best practices, discuss community contexts, innovative solutions, and goals for improving breastfeeding support across the United States. Please find a full description of eligibility, participant expectations, and application instructions here. Applications are due Monday, November 24, 2025 before 11:59pm PST.
Is your hospital signed on to participate in Lactation And Safe Sleep Opportunities in Texas (LASSO – TX)?
The Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies (TCHMB) is leading a state-wide breastfeeding project. 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
The Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies (TCHMB) is a multidisciplinary network made up of health professionals throughout the state.
Learn more about injury prevention and hear from experts about sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) at the Texas Injury Prevention Conference November 4th and 5th in Austin!
The conference will take place in person at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel in Austin, Texas. This year’s theme is “Prevent Today, Protect Tomorrow: Innovating Safety for Stronger Communities.” The Texas Injury Prevention Conference gives injury prevention professionals across the state the opportunity to network and learn from one another about their amazing work in Texas. This conference is a chance to collaborate and discuss innovative solutions and challenges in injury prevention.
The cost to attend both days is $50.00!
The IBCLC Workforce increased 55.67% from 2015 to 2025. Learn more about the Texas lactation consultant landscape by reading our report.
Growth trend of the IBCLC profession in Texas 2015-2025.
Interested in our work? Visit MCH Impact Partners website to learn more about the work we can do - together!
New scholarship opportunity!
The Latch On to Success Summit is awarding two scholarships to the event on February 2nd and 3rd in Louisville, KY.
Latch On to Success is where perinatal health professionals come to get real about growth, money, mindset, and marketing, without the guilt, burnout, or overwhelm. Join this live and in-person February 2-3, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky!
Whether you’re running a private practice, managing a collective, or leading a business that supports families through lactation and birth, the Latch On to Success Summit is for you. This event is all about strengthening your systems, streamlining your processes, and setting meaningful goals to grow your impact.
You’ll walk away with:
Ideas for your business that are designed for sustainability and success
Tools to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress
Clarity, confidence, and a crew of new collaborators
The push you need to take action on that thing finally you keep putting off
offering 6 continuing education hours for RN and LPNs
Are you interested in becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)? Check out this program from Gold Learning!
The GOLD Lactation Academy 95+ Hour Lactation Consultant Training and IBCLC Prep Course connects you with the most current information in the field of lactation through an international view and an inclusive approach. Build your foundation of knowledge and skills as you prepare to become a Lactation Consultant.
Gold Learning provides scholarships on a regular basis. Check out the Gold Start website for more information.