Look in the mirror, suck it up, and own it.  The United States of America has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the industrialized world.  The U.S of A  has a higher infant mortality rate than 28 other countries, including freakin’  Cuba!   New York Times The unequivocal number one reason for this, is an increase in the rates of premature births.  (See:  Why Infants are Born Prematurely-Can’t Blame it all on Octo Mom).  Job security for me as a NICU nurse, but I find no satisfaction from it.

There are  multiple factors as to why our infants are dying.  There are noted racial disparities in the rates of infant mortality, with Native Americans, Alaskans, Non-Hispanic Blacks, and Puerto Ricans having the highest rates of infant death.  Poverty and poor prenatal care are known factors in increasing the risk of preterm birth.

This, to me, is a national emergency.  The financial implications of caring for preterm infants is astronomical, compared to the care of a term infant.  As I have written in many previous posts, there are definite long term developmental issues for infants born prematurely.

Prematurity can be prevented.   We need more access to prenatal care, education, birth control, nutrition etc.

As a start, I will be Walking for Babies in the April 26th March of Dimes walk.  Baby steps can go a long way.

RR