Maternal and Child Health
Nearly four million babies are born each year in U.S. hospitals.
Maternal and child health is a high priority for AHA and its member hospitals and health systems. A commitment to women’s health, healthy pregnancy and a good start for all children is a cornerstone to improving the nation’s health. We recognize that mothers are at risk from the first days of pregnancy through the postpartum period and hospitals and their community partners can do more to improve their care. We are driven to advance health for women and children through partnerships and innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care. This work is guided by a committee composed of 15 individuals representing health care leadership from some of the country's leading women's and children's health provider organizations and systems. Through AHA's Better Health for Mothers and Babies initiative, we are sharing news, resources, data, and best practices that can help you on the journey to accessible, affordable and safe care for women and children.
Federal Public Policy and Legislative Solutions for Improving Maternal Health
Maternal health is a top priority for the AHA and our member hospitals and health systems, and our initial efforts are aimed at eliminating maternal mortality and reducing severe morbidity. As hospitals work to improve health outcomes, we are redoubling our efforts to improve maternal health across the continuum of care and reaching out to community partners to aid in this important effort.
The causes of maternal mortality and morbidity are complex, including lack of consistent access to comprehensive care and persistent racial disparities in health and health care. To help improve maternal health, the AHA supports several federal public policy and legislative actions.
Maternal and Child Health Events
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Maternal and Child Health Case Studies
St. Peter’s Health, a non-profit health system in Helena, Montana, serves over 97,000 residents across five counties. In 2017, the rise of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, postpartum psychosis and postpartum PTSD, prompted St. Peter’s Health to recognize gaps in postpartum care. The system’s Taking Care of You program connected more than 300 patients experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and their families, with community resources to support their needs. An effort in partnership with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, the Montana Coalition Inc.
The Latest Maternal and Child Health News