Great Lakes Wire

The state of Michigan has reported its lowest infant mortality rate ever, coinciding with the 8th annual Maternal Infant Health Summit in Lansing. The event, organized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), brought together a diverse group of state and national partners to discuss ongoing efforts to improve maternal and infant health.

"We are proud of the improvements we are making and will continue to make when it comes to the health of moms and babies," stated Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. She emphasized that collaboration among Governor Whitmer, legislators, community partners, and families is crucial for continued success.

Infant mortality refers to the death of infants before their first birthday. Prematurity, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, accidents, and adverse outcomes are leading causes. In 2023, Michigan recorded 607 infant deaths under one year old, reducing the state's infant mortality rate to 6.1 per 1,000 live births from 650 deaths or a rate of 6.3 per 1,000 in 2022. Notably, Black infant deaths decreased from 14.1 per 1,000 in 2022 to a record low of 11.9 per 1,000 in 2023.

Efforts such as the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative launched in 2021 focus on improving health outcomes and addressing disparities through expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and programs like doula services and Centering Pregnancy care models.

Doula services provide support during prenatal stages through postpartum periods and have shown positive impacts on social determinants of health while decreasing racial disparities in birth outcomes. Mia Jones from Detroit shared her experience with doula services provided by Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA), noting how essential they were for her fourth pregnancy: "I don't think I could have gotten through my pregnancy without the support of my doula."

Robena Hill has been a doula for seven years at BMBFA and sits on the state's Doula Advisory Council. Her commitment involves educating families about safe sleep practices: "Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications," she remarked as she highlighted her dedication towards ensuring informed decision-making among families.

The CenteringPregnancy model integrates routine prenatal care with education on topics like nutrition within group settings across Michigan's current network consisting of over thirty sites offering these sessions along with three CenteringParenting sites.

Grassroots initiatives also play an important role via nine regional Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaboratives focusing on clinical care improvements alongside environmental socioeconomic factors impacting mothers' lives directly within communities statewide since FY24 grants totaling $5 million supported local projects promoting breastfeeding access among others while plans include additional funding allocated similarly next fiscal year aiming specifically toward cardiac patient care enhancements post-pregnancy

Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health equips birthing hospitals statewide including safety protocols educational staff training elevating standards consequently raising survival rates benefiting both mothers children equally achieving significant participation levels exceeding eighty percent presently throughout facilities implementing necessary measures comprehensively documented success stories illustrating tangible progress realized collectively resulting healthier future generations alike

For further information regarding programs designed enhancing overall wellness individuals groups visit MDHHS’ Maternal & Infant Health webpage accessible online providing valuable insights resources available interested parties seeking assistance guidance readily available thereupon