The Mommy And Me Initiative

Join Village of Healing and our partner, Family Connections for our first community engagement event at our new Shaker- Buckeye location. Fun for the entire family.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Let’s shine a light on the connection between maternal nutrition, mental health, and infant health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.

Women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited access to nutritious foods and mental health care during pregnancy. These barriers can lead to serious outcomes like:

Preterm birth

Low birth weight

Developmental delays

Increased risk of infant mortality

According to the CDC, in 2021, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, but for Black infants, the rate was 10.6, more than double that of White infants.

My dissertation,
“The Association Between Maternal Nutrition, Perinatal Mental Health, and Birth Outcomes Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women,”
uses PRAMS data to explore these disparities and the urgent need for equitable care.

Let’s raise awareness, support expecting mothers, and push for better resources to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.

Because when moms thrive, babies do too.

November is recognized as Prematurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about preterm birth, its causes, impacts, and ways to improve outcomes for premature babies and their families. Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is a significant public health issue worldwide, leading to complex health challenges for infants and higher healthcare costs for families and communities. The month-long observance also emphasizes the importance of prenatal care, early intervention, and support systems that can help reduce the risks associated with premature birth.

During this month, organizations like the March of Dimes, healthcare providers, and advocates focus on spreading information, conducting awareness campaigns, and offering support to families affected by preterm birth. World Prematurity Day, held on November 17, is a key day within the month where global awareness efforts peak, often symbolized by the color purple.

Prematurity Awareness Month also encourages discussion on healthcare policies and research that can address the social determinants of health and other factors that increase the risk of preterm birth. Efforts range from advocating for equitable healthcare access to promoting early and ongoing prenatal care, all with the goal of giving every baby the healthiest possible start.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote education about prevention and screening for this disease. Colorectal refers to the colon and re**um, which are parts of the digestive system where colorectal cancer can develop. Prevention of colorectal cancer involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet high in fiber and low in red and processed meats, regular exercise, avoiding to***co and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular screenings as recommended by healthcare professionals.