Join us for It Starts With Mom Live
Upcoming Events
It Starts With Mom Live: Taking baby home from the NICU
Wednesday, September 18th at 3 p.m. ET
September is NICU Awareness Month, a time designated to honor neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients, their families, and the healthcare professionals caring for them. For more than 20 years, March of Dimes has been there for families with a baby in the NICU and as they transition home, offering the support and education they need, right when they need it.
Transitioning from the NICU to home is both a joyous and a scary experience for families. Whether your baby has been in the hospital for days or months, having an extra hand can make all the difference. That’s where It Starts With Mom steps in. Join us for an important and insightful conversation featuring Kara Gilardi, Associate Vice President, March of Dimes NICU Family Support, alongside mom-fluencer Lauren Meadows, who recently brought home her son from the NICU. They’ll share valuable guidance and support to help new parents navigate this significant transition with added confidence and reassurance. This episode of our It Starts With Mom educational series was produced with support from our partners at Masimo.
For more resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org/nicufamilysupport
Recent Events
Wellness Warriors: Taking care of moms and babies
Vaccines have long been a cornerstone of public health, protecting individuals and communities from a myriad of diseases. Yet, in today’s climate, questions and concerns about vaccinations are more prevalent than ever.
In this special report hosted by CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard, you’ll meet Dr. Amna Husain, a pregnant mom, Natalie Ringold, a teacher, Christina Bailey, a NICU parent, and Dr. Darria Long, an ER physician and though their stories you’ll hear a comprehensive, empathetic, and informative perspective on vaccines, addressing common concerns, and emphasizing the profound impact they have on our families and society.
Maternal Vaccination Chart: English | Spanish
Baby Vaccination and Immunization Chart: English | Spanish
For more information, visit www.marchofdimes.org/vaccines
Top 5 Things to Know about Preeclampsia, Low Dose Aspirin and Healthy Pregnancies
Watch this important It Starts With Mom conversation with California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos, California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative Clinical Innovation Advisor Dr. Amanda Williams, March of Dimes President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, content creator and mom Demi Schweers, moderated by Jummy Olabanji, NBC4 Washington anchor.
You’ll hear ‘what you need to know’ about preeclampsia, low dose aspirin, and healthy pregnancies and about the launch of March of Dimes Low Dose, Big Benefits(™), a multi-year campaign aimed at decreasing the adverse effects of preeclampsia and preterm birth through the use of low dose aspirin. We’ll bridge information gaps, address misconceptions and promote understanding, and share tools to help empower individuals to make informed choices about their pregnancy and birth experiences.
What you need to know about low dose aspirin: English
Preeclampsia risk checklist: English, Spanish
For more information, visit www.marchofdimes.org/lowdosebigbenefits
I’m an OB and this is what I tell my patients about vaccines
Join parenting influencer, Mariana Umana, for a conversation with OB-GYN influencer Dr. Nicole Sparks as they share important information about the role vaccines play in creating a healthy community. They’ll tackle misinformation, cultural and personal beliefs, and encourage listeners to work together with fact-based information to build a healthier community, one vaccination and immunization at a time.
Top 5 Things to You Need to Know About Doulas
Having a baby and becoming a mom can be both exciting and overwhelming! There are so many decisions you’ll make during pregnancy and after. Having a doula as part of your care and support team can make a big difference.
But how?
Join us for an important conversation moderated by Good Morning America Weekend Co-anchor Janai Norman with March of Dimes President and CEO Dr. Elizabeth Cherot and doulas Sanyika Williams and Kayla Natalie to learn the Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Doulas.
Fact Sheet Download: English, Spanish
Previous Events
What You Need to Know Before You Get Pregnant
As you begin to consider your motherhood journey, what’s important to know before you become pregnant? Having a healthy baby starts before you get pregnant. Together we’ll chat about mental health, cardiovascular issues, chronic health conditions, how to advocate for yourself, and much more.
If you’re planning to get pregnant soon or hope to in the future, it can be overwhelming. Download this takeaway from It Starts With Mom with some tips to help you on your journey. English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)
What You Need To Know When You're Pregnant
Baby (babies) on board, what’s important to know now that you are pregnant? Preeclampsia is a top individual risk factor for severe maternal morbidity, mortality and preterm birth and 1 in 7 pregnant women and 1 in 5 pregnant Black women experience hypertensive disorders. We’ll talk about the warning signs that something is wrong, what you can do to lower your risk, and why you should go to all of your prenatal visits.
If you’re pregnant, it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you advocate for yourself and your baby to get the care you both need to be healthy and strong. Download this takeaway from It Starts With Mom with some tips to help you on your journey. English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)
What You Need to Know After the Baby Arrives
Baby is here, what’s important to know now? Childbirth affects more than your physical health. Your mental wellbeing can also be affected by shifting hormones that trigger all sorts of emotions. But while 80 percent of new parents go through mild mood changes, including the baby blues, 15-20% will face more serious mental health issues. We’ll have an important discussion about postpartum depression and anxiety and how to get help without stigma or shame. English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)