Driving Change: Our Projects
2025
Texas Lactation Consultants Landscape Analysis
Integrating community provider voices to ensure successful policy implementation of Texas HB 136, Medicaid reimbursement for Lactation Services
Expanding Lactation Support in Texas: What HB 136 Means for Families
Texas families want to breastfeed, but too often they cannot get the help they need. Many parts of the state—especially rural areas—have no access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), the specialists trained to support families with feeding challenges. In 2025, lawmakers passed House Bill 136, which requires Medicaid to start paying for lactation consultant services. This change could help thousands of families, but only if it is put into practice effectively.
The Texas Lactation Consultant Landscape Analysis, led by MCH Impact Partners, surveyed over 150 IBCLCs and interviewed leaders across the state. Results showed that providers want to participate in Medicaid, but they face barriers such as unclear billing rules, inconsistent enrollment processes, and low payment rates. Without clear guidance, many families may still miss out on needed care.
The report recommends building a stronger lactation workforce, supporting telehealth services, and making sure both mothers and babies are covered for care. It also calls for Medicaid and WIC to work more closely together. With the right policies and support, HB 136 can help every Texas family. No matter where they live, get timely lactation care.
Learn about Lactation Consultants in Texas
Download our handout that includes recommendations for the implementation of HB 136 and a fact sheet about lactation consultants.
Click on the image to visit our dashboard and explore the distribution of lactation consultant survey participants across Texas.
89th Texas Legislature (2025)Special Sessions
Infant & Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E)
Protecting Texas Babies During Disasters
Key Talking Points for Advocates & Policymakers:
Infants are among the most vulnerable during disasters. They require safe feeding—either through breastfeeding or clean formula preparation.
Most emergency response systems do not account for infant feeding needs, leading to dangerous gaps during floods, power outages, wildfires, and hurricanes.
The CDC, FEMA, and U.S. Breastfeeding Committee recommend emergency preparedness plans include infant and young child feeding (IYCF-E).
Breastfeeding protects against infection, provides safe food and water, and is especially critical when access to clean water, power, or formula is disrupted.
Emergency responders, health departments, and shelters often lack training or guidelines to support families safely feeding babies.
Texas should fund an IYCF-E training and toolkit through DSHS to ensure counties are prepared to support families in emergencies.
This issue is bipartisan, life-saving, and long overdue. We must protect babies in every emergency plan.
Ask your legislators to support IYCF-E policy in the 2025 special session of the Texas Legislature.
Here’s how your organization can help:
Fill out the form by click the link below and sign-on as a supporter
Contact your local legislative representative: SEARCH HERE
Learn more about IYCF-E best practices for communities