Maternal Health Awareness Day: Know What’s at Stake
Did you know that 40 million women every year who give birth suffer from long-term detrimental health complications that have never been seen in generations before us? As we approach Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23, 2025, it’s crucial to shine a light on the importance of maternal health and the ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and birthing people. This year’s theme, “Know What’s at Stake,” emphasizes the urgent need to address the maternal health crisis in the United States. As a person who has experienced my own battles during childbirth and recovery, I believe we are on the wrong path with birth and postpartum in the US and am advocating for a complete overhaul of the old antiquated system, a system in which women are dying in record numbers!
The State of Maternal Health
Maternal health in the U.S. remains a significant concern, with the maternal mortality rate unacceptably high. According to recent data, roughly 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable1. Nearly half of these deaths occur between seven and 365 days postpartum, highlighting the need for continued care beyond delivery1.
The leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths include mental health conditions (23%), excessive bleeding (14%), and cardiac conditions (13%)1. These statistics underscore the importance of comprehensive maternal health care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.
Disparities in Maternal Health
Maternal health disparities are stark, with Black and American Indian or Alaska Native pregnant and postpartum people disproportionately experiencing health inequities2. Addressing these disparities is critical to ensuring that all mothers and birthing people have access to high-quality care.
Michigan Family Doulas: Advocating for Change
At Michigan Family Doulas, we are committed to raising awareness about maternal health and advocating for better care for all families. Our team of dedicated doulas provides non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant people and their families before, during, and after birth. This support has been shown to positively impact birth outcomes and reduce health disparities3.
We believe that every family deserves access to compassionate, culturally competent care. By increasing awareness of maternal health issues and advocating for policy changes, we aim to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. If maternal health is not addressed properly, the consequences can be devastating, not only for the individuals directly affected but also for their families and communities.
Join Us in Raising Awareness
This Maternal Health Awareness Day, we invite you to join us in spreading the word about the importance of maternal health. Share facts and statistics, engage in conversations, and support organizations working to make a difference. Together, we can ensure that all mothers and birthing people receive the care they deserve.
For more information about our services and how you can get involved, visit Michigan Family Doulas. And we can help you if you’re suffering from any postpartum mental health & anxiety disorder. #doulanearme #michiganfamilydoulaservices #michiganfamilydoulas
1: National Institute for Children’s Health Quality 3: State of Michigan Doula Initiative 2: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
