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Resources for Pregnant & Parenting Students


UMKC Lactation Room Locations

Find a list of Lactation spaces available across UMKC campuses. If there are any issues with lactation room accommodations, please reach out to us.

MO Breastfeeding Laws

In 1999, legislation passed in Missouri that allows a mother, with as much discretion as possible, to breastfeed her child in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be (Section 191.918, RSMo).

PUMP Act & Workplace Rights

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, into law. The law includes the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”), which extends to more nursing employees the rights to receive break time to pump and a private place to pump at work and may impact some of the other information provided below. Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth.

MO Department of Social Services

The Family Support Division is responsible for administering public assistance programs including SNAP, Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, childcare subsidy, child support, blind services and other basic needs. You can also find a crisis line and report abuse. We can also help you with finding and keeping a job through our employment & job training programs.

Kangaroo Pantry at the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center

It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting your basic needs such as safe shelter or nutrition. The Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center at UMKC is here to ensure no Roo goes without. Check out the resources offered or contact the Basic Needs Coordinator for assistance.

Catholic Charities

Helping people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy. Various Locations in Kansas City and St Joe provide financial assistance, and walk in offerings of hygiene products, diapers, and food.

Nurture KC

Are you pregnant and seeking help or services? Know someone who is? Learn about our Healthy Start program and access information on breastfeeding, immunizations, safe sleep habits for infants and more.

Front Porch Alliance

Our Nurturing Parenting Program enrolls prenatal families and families with children 1 month to 5 years. Funded locally, Nurturing Parenting emphasizes family, parent, and child health, wellness, and safety. Participating families can choose the frequency of their 60-minute home visits with our Parent Coaches.

Planned Parenthood

Sexual and reproductive health care, including family planning, gynecological care, STI/STD testing and treatment, and pregnancy testing

WIC & MO Dept. of Health

The Missouri Department of Health has many breastfeeding resources online. Their WIC program provides supplemental food, health care referrals, nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion and support to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five. Fathers, grandparents, guardians and foster parents may also apply for benefits for the children living in their household.

La Leche League

LLLI is an international, non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. We are a breastfeeding support group for mothers, babies, and toddlers in the Kansas City area. Volunteer Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who are familiar with current research in all aspects of breastfeeding and accredited by La Leche League International.

La Leche League Leaders can help if you have questions about:

– positioning and latch
– frequency of feedings
– engorgement
– sore nipples
– going back to work
– weaning

SNAP & EBT

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers a monthly benefit to help those in need buy food and food products. If you need help with food immediately, please reach out to your local food bank.

UMKC Student Disability Services

Did you know that our Disability Services office can help with class accommodations for sever menstrual symptoms, pregnancy, and postpartum issues?

MO Abortion Law

In accordance with our state funded institution, we are not permitted to provide any information regarding abortion services. On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women Health Organization overruled Roe v Wade. In 2019 the Missouri legislature passed HB 126, a complete ban on abortion except in a medical emergency to take effect upon notice from the state attorney general, governor, or General Assembly that Roe v. Wade is overruled in whole or in part. A violation of HB 126 is a class B felony punishable by 5-15 years in prison.

Synergy Services

Synergy provides a full continuum of care to assist individuals and families with immediate respite from violence. Fully integrated programs include crisis hotlines, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapeutic services, advocacy, mentoring and violence prevention programs throughout Greater Kansas City.

Jewish Family Services

Jewish Family Services (JFS) supports and strengthens lives throughout Greater Kansas City. We provide essential human services for people of all faiths, ages, cultures, and identities who are facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis.

Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center

Dental care services, mental health, substance abuse, primary medical care, and obstetrical and gynecological care.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

Ten sites throughout the greater KC area including six teen centers.  Youth programs promote self-esteem, values, and skills for boys and girls, ages 5-18, with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances.

Jackson County Prosecutor (child support)

Child support enforcement for parents who have not received Medicaid or TANF in the past 5 years; also provides services to aid in establishing paternity and providing prosecutors when needed.

The Family Conservancy

We empower Kansas City to raise happy, healthy, educated children. We’re focused on supporting families, parents, and teachers who prepare children for success in school and life. While we serve individuals and families with a wide variety of needs, the majority of our work focuses on meeting the mental health needs of vulnerable populations — young children, domestic violence victims and parents of young children.

Administration for families and Children

Working to promote the economic & social well-being of children, families, and communities.

Child Abuse Prevention Association

Offers counseling, family support, and education to prevent and treat all forms of child abuse and neglect

El Centro

Our programming has evolved from our first program for elders – the Senior Day Program – to include The Academy for Children – a dual-language Pre-K program, workshops on money-management and home ownership, health education and healthy living outreach through our Promotoras de Salud (Health Promoters) volunteers, health navigation and intervention, and our policy and advocacy efforts for issues of special interest to our community.

The Children’s Place

Kansas City’s specialized trauma treatment center serving the mental health needs of young children since 1978.