New guides aim to improve maternal health awareness and support for Arkansas families

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — To assist Arkansas mothers and families preparing for their soon-to-come arrival, Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health has released two digital guides that boost maternal healthcare awareness.

The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Guide and the Guide for New, Expecting Moms will serve as a beneficial tool for parents to become more informed and proactive.

Guidance from AIM is a reminder during Women's Health Month of the importance of understanding how to live a healthy life while developing and caring for another.

“These resources are part of our ongoing commitment to support mothers and families with the tools they need to thrive,” said Ashley Bearden Campbell, Executive Director of AIM. “From understanding new policy changes to knowing how to speak up during health appointments, we want Arkansas mothers to feel informed, empowered and supported every step of the way.”

In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM) has published two new digital guides designed to support Arkansas mothers and families in navigating pregnancy, maternal healthcare, and the resources available through recent state legislation. The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Guide and the Guide for New, Expecting Moms were created to help parents understand their rights, access care earlier, and more confidently advocate for themselves and their babies.

“These resources are part of our ongoing commitment to support mothers and families with the tools they need to thrive,” said Ashley Bearden Campbell, Executive Director of AIM. “From understanding new policy changes to knowing how to speak up during health appointments, we want Arkansas mothers to feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.”

Two Guides, One Goal: Supporting Arkansas Families.

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Guide.

This comprehensive guide explains Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ landmark Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, a transformative piece of legislation aimed at improving maternal and infant health across Arkansas. The guide provides families with actionable information and simplifies the law’s key updates about the following topics:

• Immediate Medicaid Access through presumptive eligibility for faster prenatal care.
• Up to 14 Covered Prenatal and Postpartum Visits to improve consistent maternal health monitoring.
• Expanded Services including Medicaid coverage for doulas and community health workers.
• Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring options to increase access in rural areas.
• Increased Provider Participation with higher Medicaid reimbursements.

The guide also introduces readers to community-based support organizations such as the Doula Alliance of Arkansas, Arkansas Doulas and Ujima Maternity Network.

Guide for New, Expecting Moms: How to Talk to Your Doctor About Concerns During Pregnancy.

This practical resource equips expecting mothers with confidence and clarity for navigating prenatal care conversations. It includes:

• Tips for Effective Communication with healthcare providers.
• How to Raise Concerns such as UTIs, bleeding, fetal movement changes and more.
• Guidance on Mental Health during pregnancy.
• Sample Scripts for common — but critical — questions and conditions.
• Encouragement for Self-Advocacy, reminding moms that their voice matters.

“Every mom deserves to be heard and supported,” said Bearden Campbell. “Whether you're dealing with something as common as morning sickness or concerned about mental health, these guides help ensure nothing gets overlooked.”

Both guides are available for free.