For expectant and new mothers, trying to find the right place to call for a specific question or need can pose a challenge, especially if time is a factor. That’s just one of the reasons why a nonprofit group in Arkansas is updating its guide for new mothers and families, who are seeking advice on breastfeeding and all the potential challenges and obstacles that come along with it.
First released in 2024, the updated Breastfeeding Resource Guide, created by Arkansans for improving Maternal Health (AIM), also offers updates about new state laws regarding breastfeeding rights and insurance coverage.
One example of intended maternal and infant legislative help is Arkansas Act 627 (HB 1333) which lawmakers approved during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, and which becomes effective January 1, 2026. The measure mandates that insurance plans cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services to address the state’s high maternal and infant mortality rates.
This Breastfeeding Resource Guide also lists a host of other laws to examine, including:
· Federal PUMP Act (2022)
· Arkansas Act 680 (2007)
· Arkansas Act 621 (2019)
The updated resource guide also provides a wealth of information, giving names and numbers of organizations [along with their locations] for myriad services, which new and expectant mothers will likely find invaluable if or when they face challenges of their own. AIM released two new resource guides this year:
· Guide for New, Expecting Moms
· Health Moms, Healthy Babies Guide
As Little Rock Public Radio reports, AIM Executive Director Ashley Bearden Campbell, says the goal is to help new mothers who may have trouble breastfeeding, “When you have that stigma that it is something that you should just automatically be able to do, that can cause a lot of mental health issues. A lot of stress, anxiety that you’re not doing the right thing, you’re not nourishing your baby, etc. And so this guide, our breastfeeding guide, is really a comprehensive but easy to understand resource that gives practical tips.”
You can also get help 24 hours a day – 7 days a week by calling:
· Arkansas WIC Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-445-6175
For updates and more information, visit:
· Arkansas WIC Breastfeeding Facebook
· U.S. Department of Agriculture: WIC Breastfeeding Support
It is critical to note that breastfeeding problems are common. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) “Around 70.3% of mothers experienced breastfeeding difficulties.”
Further compounding Arkansas’ problems, it has remained among the highest for both maternal and infant maternal mortality rates. In 2024, Arkansas’ March of Dimes Report Card was an “F” and ranked as the 46th state for maternal and infant health. The 2024 report came late in the year, so the 2025 report is expected later in the year as well.
The Arkansas Breastfeeding Report released in 2023 spells out in detail the profound effect breastfeeding has on what it called population health outcomes. “Breastfed infants” the report states, “are at a lower risk of certain infections and sudden unexplained infant death,” along with obesity, diabetes, asthma and cancer.
