September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month

September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month. An estimate of the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births, infant mortality is a critical measure of a population’s overall health. Because Black women andBlack babies have the highest maternal and infant mortality rates compared to women and babies of all other ethnic/racial groups, Infant Mortality AwarenessMonth is extremely important for African Americans. AAHP observes Infant MortalityAwareness Month by highlighting the SMILE Program (AAHP’s maternal and child health focus area), its programs and services, as well as information and insights that can help curtail Black maternal and infant mortality and  of the most serious health disparities that impact Black people.

Nationwide, Black babies are more than three times as likely to die from low-birth weight complications compared to White babies. In Montgomery County, Blacks had the highest percentage of low birth weight and Whites had the lowest percentage between 2012-2016. Not only do Black women have relatively high rates of the health conditions that lead to maternal and infant mortality, (obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes), Black women are more likely to be subjected to consistently higher levels of stress as well, due to such factors as economic uncertainty, racism, sexism, personal relationship stress, etc. Pregnant women (and women who may become pregnant) should take extra care of their physical and mental health. Proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management can help prevent health issues that can negatively impact the health of an unborn baby.

AAHP invites Montgomery County residents to observe Infant MortalityAwareness Month by learning more about the SMILE Program and its work to support and guide Black women towards a healthier journey with pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for themselves and their babies. We also invite you to spread the word about our services to other Montgomery County residents.