American India Foundation’s Post

👨👧👦 Imagine if Maternal and Child Health included Fathers? Are we overlooking a crucial piece of the puzzle? 🤔 What if supporting fathers' health isn't just beneficial for them, but for their partners and children too? Poor health among fathers isn't just their burden to bear—it can significantly impact family dynamics. During pregnancy and post-birth, men face heightened risks of health issues and mental health struggles. "The researchers conclude that 'adequate provision of health care support for men in preparation for fatherhood and across the key parenting years has the potential for far-reaching individual and intergenerational benefits.'" Australia recognises the importance of supporting fathers as positive role models, recommending an expansion of maternal and child health services to include them. And globally, the World Health Organisation backs interventions to involve male partners in maternal and newborn health. Every family member deserves the support they need for a healthier, happier future. https://lnkd.in/g_CwsgqC #FathersMatter #MaternalHealth #ParentingSupport

‘Barriers and opportunities for health service access among fathers: A review of empirical evidence’ says health services hold the key to fathers’ improved engagement. https://lnkd.in/gurNQ2_u Poor health among fathers is associated with negative consequences, not only for themselves but also their partners and children. This is particularly evident during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby, when, compared to other life stages, men are at heightened risk of poorer physical health and more vulnerable to symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Australia has identified the need to improve supports for fathers as positive role models in their families and communities. In support, the Australian National Men's Health Strategy 2020–2030 recommends expanding the maternal and child health infrastructure to include fathers. Internationally, the World Health Organization strongly recommends interventions to promote male partners' involvement in maternal and newborn health. #fathers #menshealth #parenting #paternalhealth #paternityleave #dads #fathering #mentalhealth #menshealthpolicy Australian Men's Health Forum Global Action on Men's Health

It's clear from the review that health services play a pivotal role in enhancing fathers' engagement and overall well-being. The impact of poor health among fathers extends beyond themselves to their partners and children, highlighting the urgent need for improved support and access to healthcare During critical life stages like pregnancy and postpartum, men face heightened risks of physical health issues and mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions. Australia recognises the significance of fathers as positive role models and advocates for expanding support systems to include them in maternal and child health initiatives. The Australian National Men's Health Strategy 2020–2030 emphasises the importance of integrating fathers into healthcare infrastructure to foster healthier families and communities. On a global scale, the World Health Organization advocates for interventions promoting male partners' involvement in maternal and newborn health to ensure holistic care for families. Incorporating fathers into healthcare services not only benefits individual health outcomes but also strengthens family bonds and community resilience. #FamilySupport #CommunityHealth By prioritising fathers' access to healthcare and mental health support, we can create healthier and more supportive environments for families to thrive. #HealthyFamilies #SupportiveCommunities Improving health service access for fathers aligns with broader efforts to address gender disparities in healthcare and promote equitable health outcomes for all. #GenderEquality #EquitableHealthcare Together, let's advocate for inclusive healthcare policies and practices that recognise and support the unique needs of fathers and their families. #InclusiveHealthcare #SupportForAll #Fatherhood #ParentalEngagement #MensHealth #HealthcareAccess #PaternitySupport #MentalWellness #FamilySupport #CommunityWellbeing #GlobalHealth #ParentingJourney #MTICBIAI #MyTraumaIsChronicButIAmIconic

Major news! SEMPQIC received $2.1 million in additional funding to collaborate with community partners to expand programs that reduce disparities in maternal and infant health in FY 2024. Aligned with the Advancing Healthy Births: An Equity Plan for Michigan Families and Communities, SEMPQIC has focused on identifying and supporting local efforts and strategies that improve birth outcomes and address the root cause of birth inequities. The additional funding will also support regional efforts to address perinatal substance use disorder (PSUD) including, but not limited to screening, treatment, and patient and family centered support and care. Other collaborative efforts supported by this funding include: • Expansion of doula resources by sponsoring training, enhancing the quality of prenatal and postpartum resources, and assisting in expanding job opportunities in the workforce. • Expansion of implicit bias training to community organizations. • Enhancing the capacity and quality of the workforce providing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) and substance use disorder support for Black women during their perinatal journey, in coordination with the mental health authorities and community organizations. • Assisting the Detroit Health Department in sustaining the Maternal Mortality and Vitality Review Team (MMVRT) program in efforts to reduce maternal deaths. • Expansion of the Detroit Fatherhood Initiative to integrate fatherhood activities into maternal birthing experience conversation and dialogues. Learn more about the work of Regional Perinatal Quality Collaboratives HERE: https://buff.ly/3Sfb1gV

Did you know that Asian women with postpartum depression often face barriers in accessing appropriate perinatal care? Learn more about the challenges they encounter and the need for better support in this insightful article:

Explore the profound journey of matrescence and its impact on maternal health quality in our latest blog post.

#WednesdayWisdom Did you know that access to urban green space is crucial for positive perinatal health outcomes? A recent review highlights that limited green space is linked to adverse birth outcomes. This underscores the need for us to integrate education about green space benefits into our preconception counseling and antenatal care. By doing so, we can help mitigate poor perinatal outcomes and promote health equity. Read more in The Journal of Perinatal Education: https://lnkd.in/g-BqgUPX

Check out this article from the latest Lamaze International Journal of Perinatal Education. The connection between the natural world and green space is so essential to human health, so perinatal health outcomes should come as no surprise. #LCCE #maternalinfanthealth

For many women, an OB-GYN clinician is the physician they see most often. Women often visit their OB-GYN during vulnerable periods of life, including adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum and the menopausal transition, which can trigger bouts of depression or anxiety. The integration of behavioral health and women’s health care has become more common as OB-GYNs encounter mental health issues that fall outside their specialty. There are opportunities to integrate services and optimize outcomes for women. https://bit.ly/3UfPckh #mentalhealthawareness #clinicalresearchmatters

Important new systematic review and meta-analysis published by the Healthy Working Lives Research Group this week shows that pregnant women who experience high levels of psychosocial job strain are more likely to give birth prematurely. Pre-term birth can have long-term health consequences for children. This study suggests that risks of pre-term birth can be reduced by modifications to psychosocial work environment. Study led by PhD student Haimanot Abebe with support from A/Prof Ross Iles Prof Jacqueline Boyle, Dr Asmare Gelaw and yours truly, all from Monash Public Health and Preventive Medicine. #occupationalhealth #workandhealth #research #systematicreview #metaanalysis #pretermbirth #childhealth https://lnkd.in/gsS63YfC