Seven of every 1,000 babies born in Ohio die before they turn 1 year old, one of the worst rates in the country. In addition, Black babies are twice as likely to die in Ohio than White babies. It’s a designation no one wants for our state, and a necessary topic to discuss if we want more babies to make it to their first birthdays.
September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, which focuses on raising awareness about infant death and highlighting the critical challenges that contribute to the infant mortality rate.
What are the main causes of infant death?
The leading causes of infant death before age 1 are: birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), unintentional injuries like car accidents and suffocation, and maternal pregnancy
complications.
Why is Ohio doing so poorly?
Data shows that seeing a doctor early in pregnancy increases the chances of delivering a healthy, full-term baby. But many women, especially Black women in Ohio, don’t have access to prenatal care due to many factors, like lack of transportation or childcare. In addition, a lack of access to stable housing, food and income, along with stress, can all impact pregnancy and birth.
Research also tells us that the longstanding effects of systemic racism and inequitable access to opportunities and health care contribute to these disparities. It is not just race itself that places Black mothers and babies at greater risk, but the unequal conditions and experiences that too often affect their health and well-being. These inequities must be addressed if we want more babies to survive.
What can I do to protect my baby?
If you or someone you care about is expecting, there are important steps to take to ensure a healthy pregnancy, birth and first year of life. Seeing a doctor early in pregnancy for prenatal care ensures the pregnancy is monitored, and any potential problems with the mother or baby are identified and addressed early.
It’s also incredibly important for women and families to work with their health care provider to educate themselves on reducing risks to the baby after birth. This includes learning the facts about the benefits of vaccination to protect the baby against infectious diseases, following safe-sleep guidelines to prevent crib death, ensuring correct installation of the infant car seat and childproofing the home.
Where can I get help?
There are a number of organizations in our community to turn to when you need help, including PCC Center for Optimal Health. PCC is an integrated maternal health home that supports women from preconception through their baby's first birthday by combining health care, behavioral health, chronic disease management and social care coordination in one trusted location.
The providers and health coordinators work to address all critical barriers impacting an expectant mother at no cost. They coordinate appointments with hospitals and providers, connect women with important resources to prepare for their baby’s arrival and work with organizations to assist with transportation, housing challenges and other factors.
Contact PCC at 614-884-2441, or go to pcchealth.org. ·
CelebrateOne is another organization that can help. The organization provides free services for pregnancy and the first year of motherhood, including help finding a doctor, obtaining a crib and car seat, home visits and support groups. Contact CelebrateOne at 614-570-3592 or go to columbus.gov/celebrateone.
While these are important steps, reducing Ohio’s infant mortality rate will take much more than one appointment or community program. Providers, community organizations, public agencies and families must all work together to remove critical barriers, improve systems and access and create a community where every baby has a chance to survive and thrive.
Cregg Ashcraft, MD, is a member of the Columbus Medical Association and Medical Director of Physicians CareConnection. This column is brought to you the Columbus Medical Association, an organization uniting physicians and patients to build a healthier community for all. Send health-related questions by going to columbusmedicalassociation.org/askthedoc.
This column is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider with questions or concerns about your health.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio struggles with high infant mortality rates
