Neonatal mortality: Quiet crisis of the African-American community

Caring for healthy Black babies begins before conception and continues throughout a mother's prenatal and post-partum experience. Early care interventions are critical if we are to address and prevent neonatal and infant mortality, because they allow us to address conditions that could lead to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Philadelphia tribune (1884) Vol. 133; no. 26
Main Author Maryland, Patricia
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Philadelphia, Pa Philadelphia Tribune 14.02.2017
Subjects
African Americans
Community
Infant mortality
Mothers
Postpartum period
Prenatal care
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Summary:Caring for healthy Black babies begins before conception and continues throughout a mother's prenatal and post-partum experience. Early care interventions are critical if we are to address and prevent neonatal and infant mortality, because they allow us to address conditions that could lead to poor birth outcomes. Hypertension - a disease that disproportionately affects African Americans and can cause serious birth complications - is one such disease that can be managed through a mother's ongoing relationship with her health care provider. Importantly, African-American mothers must take full ownership of their health care experience. That means taking advantages of every opportunity to access proactive preconception, prenatal and post-partum care, and feeling empowered to ask questions. Understanding what's normal, when to be concerned and when to call a doctor is the No. 1 thing African-American women can do to ensure their babies are born and stay healthy. The health of our youngest citizens is the yardstick by which we measure the prosperity of our country and communities. Fortunately, we have made great gains in reducing high rates of neonatal mortality. But there is still more work to do to address equity gaps for African Americans. It will take a comprehensive, coordinated effort to eliminate this quiet crisis. By working together, we have reasons to hope for a future in which African-American babies survive, thrive and lead our communities into the future.
ISSN:0746-956X