FC Mother’s 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 #WorldPrematurityDay and time to acknowledge the issue, think about who is being impacted and consider solutions. A few facts to keep in mind: ➡️ Babies born preterm are more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit ( #NICU ), require separation from their parents in their first days and have lifetime disabilities. ➡️ Black women are 1.8X more likely to have preterm birth either spontaneously or following labor induction because of chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. ➡️ For pregnant patients at risk for #preeclampsia taking a simple over the counter low dose aspirin daily from 12wk until the end of pregnancy along with your prenatal vitamin can decrease preeclampsia by 15% and preterm birth by 20%. Tell the #pregnant people you love to discuss with their provider whether they should be on low dose aspirin. In our new March of Dimes report card, the united states gets a D+ for a rate of 10.4%. Learn more about #preterm #birth in your state https://lnkd.in/gDA6_GpE Families deserve better 💜 https://lnkd.in/gZQQi89J

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

As a parent, this is painful to read 💔As a benefits consultant, I’m going to focus on what we can control and where we can help…identify healthcare disparities and solutions to address pre-existing chronic conditions, unhealthy weight, pre-pregnancy hypertension, and poor access to care…just some, not all, of the factors that can lead to complications during birth.

🌟 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. 💛

Did you know that 4 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Just because Black Maternal Health Week is over, doesn't mean that standing up for the health and wellbeing of Black mothers and babies is. Check out this blog post by Action for Children Home Visiting Program Manager, Areesha Hunter, on the critical need to defend Black maternal health. 👶🏿 Black Ohioans face a staggering 164% higher infant mortality rate compared to white Ohioans, reflecting a national disparity that demands our attention. 🤱🏾 Empowering Black mothers isn't just about supporting them during pregnancy—it's about advocating for their rights, amplifying their voices, and dismantling systemic barriers to quality healthcare and support. Take Action to create a brighter, more equitable future for all mothers, caregivers, and children. Read & share the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eP35tKwx #BlackMaternalHealth #SupportBlackMothers #MaternalHealthEquity #ITakeActionFor #ActionFor ------- Action for Children’s Help Me Grow home visiting services are funded by the Ohio Department of Health. Action for Children is an affiliate of Healthy Families America.

📊 The March of Dimes 2024 Report Card is out, and the results are a critical call to action for all of us. Texas has received a D grade, highlighting persistent disparities in maternal and infant health. We must prioritize solutions that address access to care, social determinants of health, and support for all families. 💡 Take a look at the full report to understand the data driving the urgent need for change in our state. Let’s work together to advocate for healthier moms and babies in Texas! 👉 Check out the report here: https://buff.ly/48S6tFc #MaternalHealth #InfantHealth

Yesterday March of Dimes issued our 2024 Report Card, and one thing remains constant: an alarmingly high preterm birth rate. In 2023, more than 370,000 babies were born preterm—10.4% of all births—earning the US a D+ for the third year in a row. It IS possible for women to have healthy pregnancies, but the US remains the most dangerous high-income nation in which to give birth. Inside the report, you can learn more about what grade your state earned and what that means for families in your community. https://lnkd.in/eYghdyAv

Moms and Champions We're all about healthy beginnings. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. We're nurturing moms, babies, and little kids nutritional needs for a better, brighter future. Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Connect with us online: https://lnkd.in/e9zRWHtg or offline: Donate@TheCaresOrganization.org #NurturingMoms #NurturingBabies #Breastfeeding #WorldBreastfeedingWeek #TheCaresOrganization   

Advancing Global Health through The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative 🌍👶 Launched by WHO and UNICEF, the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) represents a cornerstone in global health efforts to enhance breastfeeding support. By adopting evidence-based practices, BFHI-certified facilities worldwide are ensuring that breastfeeding is supported, promoted, and protected. The initiative not only benefits newborns and lactating parents but also sets a high standard of care within healthcare systems. As healthcare professionals, embracing and implementing BFHI practices is integral to fostering a healthy start for every child. Let's share experiences and strategies for integrating BFHI standards into our facilities. How has BFHI shaped your approach to supporting breastfeeding families?