Kristen Gunter’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

November 17th was first recognized as World Prematurity Day in 2008 by the European Foundation for Care of the Newborn Infant (EFCNI). This initiative has since become a global phenomenon with many organizations lending their voices to this important cause. According to the WHO’s most recent Born too Soon report 13.4 million babies are born prematurely worldwide. In 2020 nearly 1 million newborns died due to complications of preterm birth (one baby every 40 seconds) and millions more survived with disabilities. Those are staggering statistics! While there have been many advances in Neonatology which has resulted in improved survival of these tiny babies, the rate of preterm birth has remained essentially unchanged. WHO and UNICEF reported preterm birth rates globally of 9.9% in 2010 and 9.9% in 2020; with the highest preterm birth rates and associated mortality occurring in the developing world. The theme for World Prematurity Day this year is ‘Over 13 million babies born too soon every year. Access to quality care everywhere!’ This represents a clarion call to governmental and non governmental organizations worldwide to invest in increased funding and research focused on improving the quality of care delivered to these vulnerable babies.

The 2024 March of Dimes Report Card reveals for the third consecutive year, the US earned a D+ grade for preterm birth. In addition to the US preterm birth rate remaining historically high at 10.4%, we continue to see significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. In 2023, more than 370,000 babies were born preterm (1 in 10) and approximately one third of the largest cities in the US received an F for preterm birth. Having a healthy pregnancy starts before a person is pregnant. Many risk factors for preterm birth are preventable and a person’s overall health is a strong determinant of their pregnancy health outcomes. This year’s report reveals many risk factors for preterm birth are not improving, and many pregnant people still are not receiving adequate prenatal care. Disparities continue to deepen for communities of color. The US must prioritize the health of its moms and babies. We can change the tide of the maternal and infant health crisis by taking urgent action today to help ensure a healthy tomorrow for all families. We can all make a profound impact for today and future generations by investing in our communities, advocating for policy change, and raising funds for critical research and programs. Visit https://lnkd.in/gznftV5h to learn more. #maternalhealth #pretermbirth #marchofdimes

📊 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

The latest March of Dimes Report Card presents a stark reality we can no longer ignore: The U.S., the world’s richest country, has received a D+ grade in maternal and infant health for the third consecutive year. Key findings that demand immediate action: - 1 in 10 babies (370,000) are born preterm - The infant mortality rate increased for the first time in two decades - Only 4 states and DC have all policies in place to support midwives - Only 16 states meet the 2030 target for infant mortality These aren't just statistics – they represent real families facing life-altering challenges. Traditional healthcare approaches alone aren't solving this crisis because maternal health is fundamentally a #social issue, not just a medical one. This is why we at FC Mother are pioneering a revolutionary community-based approach: transforming football clubs into public health vehicles for maternal care. With 5 billion fans and 4,500 clubs worldwide, football provides the world's largest untapped social infrastructure to support mothers. Our model doesn't just treat symptoms – it builds comprehensive support networks around mothers, leveraging football's community power to deliver social, emotional, and healthcare support where it's needed most. The time for incremental change has passed. Join us in reimagining maternal care through the power of community and sport - what we call Healing Sports (H-Sports). Together, we can write a new chapter in maternal health – one where all mothers get the support they deserve as our true MVPs. Check out the full report at: https://lnkd.in/e4u6z8-3 #MaternalHealth #Innovation #PublicHealth #Football #HSports #FCMotherLeague

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

Welcome to August and to the first day of the 2024 World #Breastfeeding Week. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek, organized and promoted by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, World Health Organization, UNICEF, governments, non-governmental organizations and other organizations, is celebrated annually from the 1st to the 7th of August in over 120 countries, including Nigeria. It is aimed at raising awareness of the health and well-being of infants, young children, and mothers. This year's theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” focuses on survival, health, and wellbeing. It highlights the need to improve breastfeeding support and reduce inequalities that exist in our society with a special focus on breastfeeding in times of emergencies and crisis. Breastfeeding is one of the best investments for saving infants and young children in our society. It provides adequate food and nourishment from the first day of life, up to 2 years and beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months after a child’s birth is a powerful lifesaver. It is critical to the long-term health and well-being of both mother and child. As you watch this #BreastfeedingWeek broadcast, let's talk about the importance of breastfeeding for our mothers and babies, the incredible benefits, and how we can support mothers in Rivers State and beyond. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek2024 #BreastfeedingSupportForAll #Closingthegap #WBW2024 #WABA #Health4AllRivers #RiversState

🌟 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. 💛

"Improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820,000 children’s lives each year." This #WorldBreastfeedingWeek, UNICEF and the World Health Organization call for improving breastfeeding support as a critical action to improve #HealthEquity and protect the rights of moms and babies. "When breastfeeding is protected and supported, women are more than twice as likely to breastfeed their infants. This is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, #HealthWorkers, policymakers, and other decision-makers all play a central role." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVGunDQY #WBW2024 #MaternalHealth #NewbornHealth

The first time I navigated the U.S. healthcare system in earnest was when I got pregnant. I did my research, chose a hospital system, and selected a midwife with great care. But when I was 28 weeks along--just barely into the third trimester--my picture-perfect pregnancy took an abrupt turn and I went into labor. It was the scariest day of my life.   The more I learned, the more I realized that there is so much work that needs to be done in maternal health in the U.S. Did you know that more women die from pregnancy-related complications today than their mothers did 20-30 years ago? Or that 80% of those deaths are considered preventable by the CDC, or that Black women have a 3x higher rate of maternal mortality regardless of income or education levels?   I'm proud to join the March of Dimes Boston board and support healthier pregnancies here in my local community. The March of Dimes is one of the nation's oldest nonprofits and is a leader in the fight for the health of all moms and babies. In Massachusetts, top policy priorities for the MOD have included increasing access to doulas, midwives, maternal mental health, and at-home care. Every baby in the U.S. to deserves the chance to be born healthy, and healthy moms lead to strong babies. If this is a cause that resonates with you too, please join us in this mission!   If you'd like to learn more I highly recommend the 2024 March of Dimes Maternity Report which just came out last week: https://lnkd.in/e4J-WZ4a Chloe Schwartz, MPH Julia Vose Robin Paige Panella