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(White Plains, NY) – To raise awareness about the challenges and lifelong impact of preterm birth, the Westchester County Health Department marks World Prematurity Day on Sunday, November 15.
This year’s global theme, set by the World Health Organization, is “Small babies, big potential.” The theme underscores the importance of investing in follow-up care to protect premature babies’ future, and to provide equitable maternal health care to help prevent premature births, detect complications early and support families as they care for premature infants.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “World Prematurity Day reminds us that every baby deserves the best possible start in life. Our commitment to improving maternal health outcomes is rooted in equity, justice and compassion — and in the belief that every person deserves a safe, supported and dignified birthing experience.”
Each year, about one in every 10 babies in the U.S. is born prematurely. The U.S. ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of preterm births.
The County’s WIC program helps more than 6,300 families give their infants and young children a healthy start in life. WIC — which stands for Women, Infants and Children — is a federally funded nutrition program that provides short-term support with long-term health benefits. WIC is for income-eligible pregnant women, mothers of babies up to six months old, breastfeeding mothers of infants up to one year, and children up to their fifth birthday.
Each month, WIC’s food benefits help families buy healthy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, eggs, baby food, formula and more. WIC offers nutrition assessments, counseling and education, referrals to health and social services, and breastfeeding support — including breast pumps, lactation counselors and peer counselors. For families who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, WIC also provides formula.
While the causes of premature birth are not fully understood, women can take steps to improve birth outcomes and protect their health:
- Before pregnancy: Reach and maintain a healthy weight, and get medical care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or thyroid issues. Know your HIV and Hepatitis B status.
- Plan pregnancies: Wait at least 18 months between giving birth and becoming pregnant again.
- Prevent infections: Get recommended vaccines, wash hands often, and avoid raw meat, fish and eggs. Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
- Live healthfully: Eat nutritious foods, stay active, and manage stress to help gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy.
- Avoid harmful substances: Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use harmful drugs. Seek help from your provider if you need support to quit.
- Seek prenatal care early and attend all checkups. Regular prenatal care checkups protect both mother and baby.
- Learn the signs of preterm labor: Recognizing symptoms early can help you get treatment that may prevent or delay premature birth.
For more information about maternal and child health programs in Westchester County, go to www.westchestergov.com/health.
To reach WIC, call (914)-231-2510 for Yonkers or (914) 813-7244 for Port Chester.
