Nearly 90 women die each year in Illinois while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy, according to state public health data. Black women in Illinois and Cook County are two to three times more likely than white women to die from a pregnancy-related condition, such as blood pressure disorders, heart disease and infections; yet 90 percent of these deaths are preventable.
Facts like these are the reasons why Cook County Department of Public Health recently launched EveryMotherEveryChild.org, a new microsite dedicated to helping expectant mothers achieve optimal health before, during and after pregnancy.
“Pregnancy-related deaths are a public health crisis in Cook County, and so are the disparities in maternal health outcomes,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health. “EveryMotherEveryChild.org is a tool that raises awareness about the importance of maternal and child health and gives expectant mothers, regardless of their socioeconomic status, information that can help them have better health outcomes for themselves and their new babies.”
Multiple factors contribute to maternal health disparities, such as variations in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. The website was created by Cook County Department of Public Health’s nursing unit and provides greater access to maternal health education and resources by informing expectant mothers how to better care for themselves at every stage of pregnancy. The website has a wealth of information for people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
For example, the “Before Pregnancy” section of the website contains tips, such as scheduling a preconception appointment with your doctor, taking prenatal vitamins, and getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
The website advises expectant mothers to work with their medical providers to manage chronic conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy, and provides tips on nutrition and exercise. For the period after pregnancy, the website offers guidance such as using cold wash cloths or ice packs to reduce swelling and pain, waiting 24 hours before giving newborns their first sponge bath, and feeding them every two to three hours. The website also offers a wealth of health resources, such as doula and midwifery services and fact sheets on topics like prenatal nutrition, prenatal doctor visits and breastfeeding.
“This is crucial information for every expectant mother,” Hasbrouck emphasized. “Our goal is for EveryMotherEveryChild.org to eliminate barriers and provide essential resources, empowering mothers to achieve healthier pregnancies and nurture healthier babies.”
Visit the website to learn more at EveryMotherEveryChild.org.