November-Prematurity Awareness Month

[NoNonsenseMama]

I am posting this important snippet from this article in recognition of prematurity awareness month.  However, this info is not something that should only be shared or spread once a year but kept in mind all the time.  Infant mortality rates in the US are awful, some of the worst, among other industrialized countries.  Don't take this information as offensive, judgmental or accusatory...instead, know the facts so you can do the best by your baby.

November is also Prematurity Awareness Month.  Considering the risks involved in preterm birth, you may be wondering what you can do as a birth activist or as a parent.  Here are some basic things to consider:

• Let labor begin on its own. Without a valid medical reason, let your baby pick his or her birthday for the safest, easiest birth.
• Choose a practitioner with a low induction rate. If you have a midwife or doctor who rarely sees anyone who goes past their due date, it should be a red flag.  Ask the receptionist for her opinion of how many women go past 40 weeks. The answer might surprise you.
• Know the signs of preterm labor. If you think you’re having any of the signs of preterm labor, call your midwife or doctor immediately.  The sooner you get help, the more likely that premature birth can be delayed or stopped completely.
• Be mindful of the risk factors. Face it, you have responsibility for some of the risk factors.  While there are certainly some risk factors for preterm labor that you don’t control, take charge of the ones you can, including prenatal care, good nutrition, not smoking, etc.

Tags: babies, premature, prematurity, preemies, tiny, health, ranks, rates, stats, birth, labor, delivery, awareness, help, concern.

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