Maternity Care Coalition’s Post

Today, on Maternal Health Awareness Day, we pause to reflect on the critical importance of maternal health outcomes and the urgent need for public awareness. Despite advancements in healthcare, significant disparities still exist—disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color, low-income families, and underserved populations. As we mark this important day, it's crucial to not only raise awareness but also take concrete steps to eliminate these disparities. We must work together to ensure every woman, no matter her background or circumstances, has access to the care, resources, and support she needs for a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience. The time for change is now. By amplifying maternal health education, supporting policy initiatives, and funding research to better understand and address the underlying causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, we can make real progress toward a future where every mother’s health is a top priority. Let’s continue to advocate for the health of mothers everywhere. Together, we can build a more equitable and just healthcare system—one where no mother is left behind. #MaternalHealth #PublicHealth #HealthcareEquity #MaternalHealthAwareness #EliminateDisparities #HealthForAll #EndMaternalMortality

🌍 Today is Maternal Health Awareness Day! 🌍 Did you know that globally, around 295,000 women die each year from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications?🥹 That’s roughly 800 women every day. Despite the advances in medical care, maternal mortality remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world. 🩸 The numbers are shocking, but change is possible – and it starts with awareness. This #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay, let's focus on: 1️⃣ Key statistics showing the disparities in maternal health across regions. 2️⃣ Steps to improve maternal care, from increasing access to skilled health professionals to strengthening emergency response systems. 3️⃣ Success stories of countries and communities making strides in reducing maternal deaths. 📊 Swipe through the carousel to learn more about how you can make a difference, from supporting policy reforms to improving healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas. 💪 Together, we can work towards a future where no woman has to fear for her life during childbirth. #MaternalHealth #GlobalHealth #WomensHealth #MaternalMortality #HealthcareReform #HealthEquity #MakeADifference #Awareness #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

# Understanding Maternal Health: A Public Health Imperative Maternal health is a critical aspect of public health that focuses on the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses a range of factors that affect the well-being of mothers and their newborns, making it a vital area of concern for health systems globally. ## The Importance of Maternal Health Maternal health is not only essential for the well-being of mothers but also significantly impacts families and communities. Healthy mothers are more likely to give birth to healthy babies, which contributes to the overall health of the population. Furthermore, improving maternal health outcomes can lead to reduced healthcare costs, increased economic productivity, and enhanced social stability. Maternal health is a cornerstone of public health that deserves urgent attention. By addressing the challenges and implementing effective strategies, we can improve maternal health outcomes, thereby fostering healthier families and communities. Ultimately, investing in maternal health is not just a moral obligation but a necessity for sustainable development and societal well-being.

The nationwide Healthy Start initiative aims to reduce infant mortality and improve infant health by deploying community health workers who visit homes and provide educational, emotional and material support to new and expectant parents. To assess the quality and impact of the Bronx Healthy Start Partnership, 62 new mothers completed an online survey, and an additional 16 new mothers were interviewed by phone. The evaluation was conducted by Alma Idehen, M.S., and colleagues in collaboration with the Center for Evaluation and Applied Research at the New York Academy of Medicine, and results were published online on November 22 in Maternal and Child Health Journal. The new mothers reported that the education they received on breastfeeding and safe sleep practices was particularly helpful. They also clearly indicated that interacting with the Bronx Healthy Start community health workers improved their health and well-being before and after pregnancy. In addition, many clients reported reduced stress levels as they navigated the challenges of raising a baby. These and other findings will guide ongoing efforts to improve community health worker programs in the United States. Ms. Idehen is a principal associate of family and social medicine and co-director of the Bronx Healthy Start Partnership at Einstein and Montefiore. #CommunityHealthWorker #CommunityHealth #InfantHealth #MaternalHealth #health #medicine #healthcare

🌟 Maternal Health Awareness Day: Know What's at Stake 🌟 The majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. 🤰🏾✨ This sobering truth reminds us of the critical importance of prioritizing perinatal health—the health of parents and their babies before, during, and after birth. Maternal health is more than just healthcare; it's about education, access, advocacy, and support systems that ensure every parent has the resources they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy. When we invest in maternal health, we: 💙 Save lives. 💙 Strengthen families. 💙 Build healthier communities for generations to come. Let's work together to ensure every parent knows what’s at stake—and that they never face this journey alone. Whether you're a healthcare provider, advocate, or community member, there’s a role for YOU in addressing maternal health disparities. Call to Action: ✅ Advocate for equitable access to perinatal care. ✅ Support initiatives aimed at improving maternal and infant health. ✅ Share this post to raise awareness! Together, we can make maternal health a priority and prevent unnecessary tragedies. Let's take action today. 💪🏽 Follow us @3eaffinityinc #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay #KnowWhatsAtStake #MaternalHealthMatters #PreventableDeaths #PerinatalCare #Advocacy #BirthDoula

Maternal Health Crisis: A Call to Action In recent times I have heard of different tragic events that have highlighted the ongoing crisis in maternal healthcare, I'll like to share two: 1. A mother and baby lost to postpartum hemorrhage 2. Another infant death at a maternity center with a history of similar incidents These cases underscore critical issues: • Healthcare quality disparities • Lack of awareness about proper prenatal care • Economic barriers to accessing quality facilities • Importance of nutrition during pregnancy • Need for effective primary healthcare initiatives • Inadequate health policies and enforcement • Proliferation of unqualified practitioners and substandard maternity centers The persistence of unregulated facilities and quacks exploiting vulnerable mothers demands urgent policy action and stricter enforcement. We must strengthen oversight of maternity centers and crack down on unlicensed practitioners. We must address these systemic failures to prevent future tragedies. What steps can we take to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure safe, quality care for all mothers in our communities?

Did you know that roughly 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable, and nearly half of maternal deaths occur between 7-365 days postpartum? This is especially true for women of color, who are at a much higher risk. In 2024, NCHF launched a Maternal Health Action Network to address maternal health disparities. The Network convenes hospitals across NC who participate in shared learning and implementation of evidence-based performance improvement strategies to close gaps in maternal health outcomes. Network hospitals are exploring evidence and strategies supporting the integration of birth doulas into maternity care. Research shows that birthing doulas assisting mothers through deliveries are linked to positive birth outcomes such as decreased c-section rates, increased breastfeeding rates, and better postpartum mental health. The following hospitals are enrolled in this groundbreaking initiative: • ECU Health Medical Center • Cape Fear Valley Health • SCOTLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM • Appalachian Regional Healthcare System - Watauga Medical Center • Cone Health • UNC Health Blue Ridge • FirstHealth of the Carolinas • Mission Health - Mission Hospital • UNC Health Chatham Learn more about the Network: https://bit.ly/40rl3zV #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay #MaternalHealth #NCHF #ConvenerofChange

Maternal mortality rates refer to the number of women who die during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days after giving birth. Here are some facts about maternal mortality rates: 💖 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 295,000 women died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2017. 💖 Key factors contributing to maternal mortality include limited access to quality healthcare services, lack of skilled birth attendants, poverty, and underlying health conditions. 💖 Maternal mortality rates can also be influenced by social determinants such as education, income inequality, and cultural practices. 💖 Efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates include increasing access to quality prenatal care, improving emergency obstetric care, promoting family planning services, and addressing social determinants of health. #MaternalHealth #MaternalMortality #WomenHealth #PrenatalCare #HealthcareAccess #maternalhealthmatters

Mothers should not die from pregnancy. Today is Maternal Health Awareness Day and Episcopal Health Foundation renews its commitment to make maternal health a priority for change. That's why we're working with community partners, governments, and health systems to dismantle the barriers to maternal health and maternal mental health. We're also supporting innovative solutions to address non-medical factors like limited access to nutritious foods and recreational activities that impact rates of chronic medical conditions and negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. And we're pushing to create healthy communities and health services that are equitable, accessible, and just. These conditions are foundational to healthy pregnancies and maternal health and wellness. This year, the theme "Know What’s at Stake" calls on all of us— philanthropy, health care professionals, policymakers, and community advocates—to take action. We must work together to ensure no more lives are lost, no more communities are left behind, and no more progress is undone. #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay #KnowWhatsAtStake #HealthNotJustHealthCare

The Harris Poll is gearing up to release its latest edition of "The State of Maternal Health in America." This report offers valuable insights into the current state of maternal health, focusing on the following areas: *𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞: Insights into early-stage experiences and expectations of expectant mothers. *𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 & 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: A close look at current safety standards and opportunities for improvement. *𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Data on the essential support systems for mothers after childbirth. For organizations interested in deepening their understanding of maternal health, this report is a powerful resource to inform impactful strategies and align with the values of audiences who care about accessible, quality healthcare. Are you interested in learning how this report can enhance your strategy? Let's connect! I would be happy to discuss how these insights can empower your organization's work in this field. https://lnkd.in/g_4zcedA #MaternalHealth #HealthcareInsights #TheHarrisPoll #MarketResearch