Missouri

New research sheds light on breastfeeding barriers in rural communities

Published

1 year ago

March 3, 2025

Press Room

New research sheds light on breastfeeding barriers in rural communities

Source: Adobe Stock

March 3, 2025
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu

Breastfeeding can be a challenge for many new moms, regardless of where they live. However, a new study from the University of Missouri highlights a unique struggle faced by mothers in rural America: a lack of access to support systems and information. As a result, rural moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding within the first few days or weeks compared to their urban and suburban counterparts.

Like all new mothers, women in rural areas want to ensure their babies are getting enough nourishment — but without proper guidance on breastfeeding best practices, it can be difficult to gauge.

“Growing up in rural Missouri and working in maternal child health myself, I wanted to understand how rural moms in Missouri made their decisions about breastfeeding and how their rural environment impacted those decisions,” said Karry Weston, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral fellow in Mizzou’s Sinclair School of Nursing. “I found that many of the rural moms I spoke with were highly motivated to breastfeed at first and were aware of the many health benefits breastfeeding provides for both them and their babies — they just ended up not sticking with it after a few days or weeks.”

During her research, Weston discovered several factors that led rural moms to discontinue breastfeeding after a short period of time. Those factors include a lack of practical knowledge on what to expect, feeling overwhelmed, a lack of access to lactation consultants in rural areas and a lack of community support.

For her study, Weston interviewed first-time moms throughout rural Missouri about their experiences feeding their newborn babies. She found that many were unsure whether their babies were getting enough milk or if they were producing sufficient supplies.

Some rural moms Weston spoke with had questions regarding pumping or latching techniques. Others found formula to be more convenient given their busy schedules with work and school. Some rural moms reported being hours away from the nearest lactation consultant. Others came from families and communities where formula feeding is considered the norm.

Weston hopes this research can help improve the information, resources and support given to new moms.

Telehealth and home visiting nurse programs with lactation-certified nurses can be potential touchpoints for rural moms looking for breastfeeding guidance.

Weston’s interest in this research stemmed from her experience at Hannibal Regional Hospital, Missouri’s first hospital to be designated “baby-friendly” for its efforts to increase breastfeeding rates. Working as both a labor and delivery nurse and a childbirth educator, Weston recognized the need to find ways to better support new moms immediately after they give birth.

“For example, we give them pumps, but we could also give them more information about how to use them or what to expect when pumping,” Weston said. “Some moms may think they are not producing enough milk when in reality, they are. We can help moms feel more confident.”

Weston added that giving new moms more practical tips on balancing breastfeeding with a busy lifestyle can be beneficial. Local support systems can also offer valuable assistance.

“For new moms, seeing someone in their family or community successfully breastfeeding can be very inspiring and lead to a domino effect,” Weston said. “When rural moms who choose to breastfeed have the support of family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who also chose to breastfeed, the support system is very encouraging to rural moms by reducing the stigma.”

Mizzou’s emphasis on supporting rural communities, particularly with MU Extension programs, motivates Weston to continue her research.

“Hopefully I can help rural moms access more support and feel more confident in whatever decisions they choose,” Weston said. “Whether it is hearing new moms say they used a new resource or learned about a new program that improved their experience, I feel motivated to support rural moms.”

“Expectations and perspectives about infant feeding of their first child among rural women” was published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for April 18, 2026

Published

7 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 18, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 18 drawing

24-25-39-46-61, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 18 drawing

Midday: 5-8-2

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 3-8-5

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 18 drawing

Midday: 0-1-6-1

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 4-7-6-9

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 18 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 01

Matinee: 05

Prime Time: 04

Night Owl: 05

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from April 18 drawing

07-10-21-27-33

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 18 drawing

02-38-45-53-63, Powerball: 21

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for April 17, 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 17, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 17 drawing

38-43-44-49-62, Mega Ball: 08

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 17 drawing

Midday: 4-8-6

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 8-8-2

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 17 drawing

Midday: 3-9-4-2

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 7-3-7-7

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 17 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 06

Matinee: 08

Prime Time: 05

Night Owl: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from April 17 drawing

04-06-25-37-39

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri

Will Missouri incarcerate its economic future?

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Press Room

Will Missouri incarcerate its economic future?

Missouri has hastily passed a sweeping crime bill that moves the state in the wrong direction. The law — signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe — bundles together expanded pathways for certifying adolescents ages 14 to 18 as adults and the expansion and standardization of mandatory minimum sentences. This legislation will push more teenagers into the […]

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