Throughout November, Prematurity Awareness Month, we raise awareness of the infant health crisis of preterm birth and ask for lifesaving donations in honor of World Prematurity Day, November 17.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth—a crisis fueled by the health equity gap in our health care system that puts women and babies of color at the greatest risk.
Families affected by prematurity share an unspoken connection through their struggles, wins and losses. That connection comes together in our Health Equity Week beginning November 15, a week of action and advocacy to fight prematurity.
Join us by donating today to fight for full-term pregnancies and end preventable preterm birth, so all babies and families can have the best possible start.
take action to support moms and babies
demand #blanketchange
Advocate for families by telling Congress to pass legislation that improves mom and baby health.
TAKE ACTION
START A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER
Make a meaningful gift to support healthy moms and strong babies with a Facebook fundraiser.
START NOW
CREATE AN EVENT
Creating a do-it-yourself fundraising campaign is a fun and easy way to support families.
CREATE
Join our Livestream Fundraising Event
March of Dimes will be holding our FIRST official livestreaming event for Prematurity Awareness Month this November, in conjunction with World Prematurity Awareness Day on November 17. Be a part of this inaugural event!
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health equity week
MEET THE DISPO-KLEIN FAMILY
Diane’s journey to pregnancy was full of setbacks. After a miscarriage and numerous fertility treatments, she finally got pregnant in her forties. While overjoyed, she was at high-risk and constantly in fear of losing the baby. Suddenly, at 28 weeks and 5 days—at the height of the global pandemic—her son was born by emergency C-section. “It was scary with COVID because they only allowed one parent at a time,” Diane said. “And since I wanted to breastfeed, that meant it was going to be me.”
After multiple complications and 93 days in the NICU, her son could finally go home. Now he's healthy and progressing. Diane’s grateful for all the NICU nurses and the doctors who taught her how to take care of him.
Diane wants other parents with babies in the NICU to know they’re not alone. By sharing her story, she hopes she’ll inspire others to reach out and get support. “Even if it makes them feel a little better for one day,” she said, “it'll be worth it.”
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REPORT CARD
MBAN SUMMIT
HEALTHY MOMS STRONG BABIES WEBINAR
Health Equity and Vaccines
NATIONAL FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY
Stay tuned for the launch of our annual Report Card that describes the latest data on the health of moms and babies and the actions policymakers can take to improve the health of our nation’s families.
The Mom and Baby Action Network virtual summit will convene professionals from cross-sector organizations in the U.S. to discuss policies and programs that can advance equity in maternal and infant health. Join us for dynamic presentations and opportunities to learn how we can move from data to action.
There's a vaccine gap in America. The March of Dimes Vaccines Campaign, launching this week, will educate moms and families about the importance of routine vaccination and advocate for vaccine equity in the U.S.
Join us Thursday, November 18, at 2 p.m. ET on Facebook LIVE, where we’ll host a panel of experts to further discuss the 2021 Report Card.
We’ll celebrate National Family Volunteer Day—a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods.
Light it purple, including your office or home. If you can wear it, make it purple. And don’t forget to share pictures on your social channels with #WorldPrematurityDay and @marchofdimes.
Help us support moms and babies and raise awareness of the prematurity health crisis.
In the U.S. each year 1 in 10 babies is born preterm
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REGISTER NOW
TUNE IN
Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. ET
Livestream for the National Press Club Event on the new March of Dimes Report Card findings.
Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m. ET, World Prematurity Day
Washington Post Live’s Health Equity Maternal & Infant Health with March of Dimes President & CEO Stacey D. Stewart
WATCH NOV. 15