Photo Credit: Getty Images
Maternal health disparities in Illinois are staggering. According to state data, nearly 90 women in Illinois lose their lives each year while pregnant or within a year of giving birth. Black women in Illinois and Cook County face an even grimmer reality—they are two to three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related conditions like blood pressure disorders, heart disease, and infections.
The stark reality? Ninety percent of these deaths are preventable.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, 2023.
This urgent public health issue is why the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has launched EveryMotherEveryChild.org, a microsite designed to empower expectant mothers with vital information for achieving better health outcomes 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 CCDPH. “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.”
A Resource to Combat Disparities
The disparities in maternal health outcomes stem from a range of factors, including unequal access to quality healthcare, chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. EveryMotherEveryChild.org addresses these challenges by offering accessible and comprehensive maternal health education for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
The site, developed by CCDPH’s nursing unit, features tailored guidance for every stage of pregnancy. From preconception to postpartum care, the resource is packed with actionable advice and supportive services.
Key Features of EveryMotherEveryChild.org
The website is organized into easy-to-navigate sections, offering practical tips and expert guidance:
- Before Pregnancy:
-
-
- Schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor.
- Take prenatal vitamins.
- Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
-
- During Pregnancy:
-
-
- Work with healthcare providers to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Follow tips on nutrition and exercise.
-
- After Pregnancy:
-
- Use cold washcloths or ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Wait 24 hours before giving newborns their first sponge bath.
- Feed newborns every two to three hours.
The site also connects visitors to resources such as doula and midwifery services and provides fact sheets on topics like breastfeeding and prenatal nutrition.
Empowering Mothers for Healthier Outcomes
“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.”
As Cook County grapples with the public health crisis of maternal mortality, this new initiative stands as a beacon of hope for expectant mothers across the region.
For more information and resources, visit EveryMotherEveryChild.org.