Amanda Williams’ Post

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗖+ 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘀 The March of Dimes 2024 Report Card reveals that the country’s maternal and infant health crisis is worsening, with the U.S. earning a D+ for preterm birth rates for the third year in a row with a preterm birth rate of 10.7%. In New Jersey, the preterm birth rate is 9.3%, earning a C+. While the infant mortality rate in NJ (3.6) is lower than the national average (5.6), the infant mortality rate among babies born to Black people is 2.4x the state rate. Factors like socioeconomic status and healthcare access continue to contribute to these alarming disparities. To combat this growing crisis, the Burke Foundation is investing in New Jersey’s community doula workforce in the NJ counties with the highest preterm birth rates with our partners The Children's Home Society of NJ through the AMAR Community Doula program. The program’s impressive results underscore the difference that community doulas can make in supporting women in their pregnancy journeys with impressive outcomes: ▪️ 67.8% fewer preterm births ▪️ 88.2% fewer low birthweight babies ▪️ 54% fewer low-risk C-sections Our partner Lisa Asare, President & CEO of NJ’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority said it best, “The doula program is more than just a maternal health solution. They are truly the custodians: they have the expertise, and the competency. I think that has been an “ah hah” moment for me – it’s more than addressing maternal and infant health. It truly is about lifting up a community.” Learn more about the Burke Foundation’s community doula initiatives here: https://lnkd.in/eM9YqydX Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/e4u6z8-3 #MaternalHealth #InfantHealth #MarchOfDimes #PretermBirth #BlackMaternalHealth

It's World Breastfeeding Week! 🤱🌍   This week, we highlight the importance of supporting women to feel able to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, and to improve the position and condition of women at home, at work, and in public. Breastfeeding plays a crucial role both in early childhood development and in the prevention of cancers and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in mothers and children.   Breastfeeding can be influenced by many factors, including legal and policy directives, social attitudes and values, women's employment conditions and family leave, and healthcare services. To enable women to breastfeed, it is crucial to develop supportive measures at all levels.   In the #JAPreventNCD, the Baby-Friendly Community and Health Services initiative works to increase breastfeeding rates, as a contribution to reducing the risk of cancer and other NCDs later in life. With a focus on addressing social and health inequalities, the initiative promotes healthy beginnings and lifelong health benefits for all.   Join us in creating supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers and ensuring a healthier future.   Learn more about our initiative ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dMp6_RDN   #WorldBreastfeedingWeek #TogetherForMoms #EU4Health

In the last 12 years, the number of infants under six months of age who are exclusively breastfed has increased by over 10%! 🌟 Today, 48% of infants worldwide benefit from this healthy start. This means hundreds of thousands of lives saved. While this brings us closer to the WHO target of 50% by 2025, challenges remain. Support for breastfeeding mothers is crucial. 🔹 Improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820,000 children’s lives annually. 🔹 Breastmilk protects babies against illness and death, especially during emergencies. 🔹 Breastfeeding reduces the burden of childhood illnesses and certain cancers for mothers. This week, UNICEF and WHO highlight the need for improved breastfeeding support to reduce health inequity. Key actions for all: 🔸 Increase investment in breastfeeding support programs. 🔸 Implement family-friendly workplace policies. 🔸 Ensure mothers receive timely and effective breastfeeding counselling. 🔸 Improve monitoring of breastfeeding programs and policies. 🔸 Develop and enforce laws against the marketing of breast-milk substitutes. Let’s come together to support breastfeeding mothers and ensure every child gets the healthiest start in life! 💙🤱 #WorldBreastfeedingWeek #BreastfeedingSupport

🌍 Together to Prevent Premature Births I had the opportunity to attend a WHO webinar in honor of World Prematurity Day 2024, focusing on addressing and managing prematurity.This year's theme, "Over 13 million babies born prematurely every year. Access to quality care everywhere!" Key highlights: 13 million babies are born prematurely each year, with prematurity causing 37% of neonatal deaths globally. Most of these deaths can be prevented with effective interventions. Prioritizing qualityfull ANC check-up, facility-based delivery, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), and exclusive breastfeeding is essential. Ongoing follow-up care for small and sick newborns can improve survival and outcomes. The session emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action to tackle prematurity and ensure every newborn has a chance to thrive. #WorldPrematurityDay #NewbornCare #GlobalHealth

1. Strengthen the capacities of 04 health facilities integrating CPN and PTME services 2. Raise awareness among 700 pregnant and breastfeeding women 3. Screen 700 women, including 50% pregnant women and breastfeeding women. 4. Co-ordinate, monitor and evaluate the project

🌟 Empowering Families, Building Healthier Futures 🌟 In the field of maternal and infant health, collaboration is not just a word—it’s the backbone of everything we do. Every day, we strive to ensure that mothers, babies, and families in Buffalo have access to the highest quality care and support they deserve. Our work is guided by compassion, innovation, and a shared goal: healthier families, stronger communities. At Healthy Start Buffalo, we’re proud to be part of a vibrant network of organizations working tirelessly to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for women and children. Together, we’re addressing complex challenges, including high preterm birth and infant mortality rates, as highlighted in this recent article (see below). It’s a sobering reminder of why our work—and the collaboration that fuels it—matters. We know we can’t do this alone. Thankfully, Buffalo is home to a network of dedicated organizations and professionals all committed to the same mission. By working together, sharing resources, and uplifting each other’s efforts, we can achieve more for the families we serve. To my peers in this space: Your work inspires me every day. Let’s continue to connect, collaborate, and create solutions that drive meaningful change. For our community. For our families. For the future. If you’re passionate about maternal and infant health, let’s connect! We can accomplish so much more together. 💛

Breastmilk is first medicine as well as first traditional food. Did you know that breastfed babies have a lower risk of infant mortality than babies who are not breastfed? Researchers found that breastfed babies have a 21% lower risk of death in their first year of life. The risk is 38% lower when babies were breastfed for 3 months or longer. Breastfeeding can be challenging so getting the right support is crucial. We support women in their breastfeeding efforts! To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/dRmYHCk #InfantMortalityAwareness

This month we are highlighting World Prematurity Day. Did you know that 1-10 babies are born prematurely? The March of Dimes – MOD has given the United States a D+ grade for premature births in the March of Dimes Report Card due to the alarmingly high preterm birth rate. Preterm births occur for a variety of reasons. According to WHO most preterm births happen spontaneously, but some are due to medical reasons such as infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure; however, often no cause is identified. A baby’s movements are an important sign of their wellbeing in the 3rd trimester. Learn more about fetal movement with Count the Kicks here: http://spr.ly/6042Scvt4 Please tune in below for the monthly message from our Executive Director for Maternal Health, Rose L. Horton, MSM, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN #NotOnMyWatch #WorldPrematurityDay

Adobe Population Health recognizes the vital role breastfeeding plays in promoting survival, health, and well-being. This year's theme focuses on improving breastfeeding support to reduce inequalities, especially during emergencies and crises. Breastfeeding is a powerful equalizer in our society, and ensuring access to support and opportunities for all is crucial. Vulnerable mothers, in particular, need additional assistance to overcome breastfeeding disparities. We call on civil society organizations, governments, policymakers, health systems, workplaces, communities, and parents to join us in closing the gap in breastfeeding inequalities. Together, we can work to support breastfeeding for all, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and babies everywhere. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek2024 #HealthEquity #WBW2024 https://bit.ly/2RJI2T0

The RCOG has responded to the MBRRACE-UK report, Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care. Today’s report shows that the leading cause of maternal death between 2020 and 2022 was blood clots (thromboembolism), followed by Covid-19 and heart disease. The MBRRACE-UK collaboration has made key recommendations for swift identification and treatment of blood clots, as well as calling for improvements to the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in pregnancy. We agree that maternity teams need to have the resource and expertise to quickly identify the onset of potentially life-threatening health concerns. And we recognise that today’s report shows that there is still a huge amount of collaborative work to be done to address ongoing health inequalities for those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds or living in the most deprived areas. The College remains committed to working collaboratively with the government, NHS and partners to deliver better outcomes for pregnant women, birthing people and babies, and reducing health inequalities. You can read the full RCOG response here: https://brnw.ch/21wNDE1