Thriving Beyond Pregnancy: The Role of Maternal Health Awareness
Why Maternal Health Awareness Day Matters
Maternal Health Awareness Day is an important observance for everyone. We believe that the health of birthing people is indicative of the health of a whole community. Preventable maternal deaths leave lasting pain for families and communities, reminding us that too many mothers are still being failed when they need care the most. Birthing people deserve to be seen, heard, and supported, not just to survive pregnancy, but to heal, thrive, and be there for the people who love them.
Healthy families begin with healthy pregnancy. Maternal health is essential for the wellbeing of mothers, pregnant people, and their babies. Access to quality care before, during, and after pregnancy can help reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes such as maternal morbidity, premature births, and postpartum depression. Improving maternal health also affects the health outcomes of infants, including reducing low birth rate outcomes and improving infant development. Research indicates a child’s mental health and earliest developmental years shape their social and emotional development over the lifespan.
Maternal Health Awareness Day is observed annually on January 23 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This day calls attention to the importance of equitable healthcare policies and the need to ensure that all mothers and pregnant people receive comprehensive care, for both physical and mental health. It also reminds us that many maternal deaths are preventable and highlights the systemic challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Maternal deaths in Pennsylvania (PA) continue to rise, driven by issues like hospital closures and limited to no access to birthing centers. From 2016–2020, PA reported a maternal mortality rate of 10.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. According to the March of Dimes’ Maternity Care Deserts Report, 7.5% of Pennsylvania counties have no hospital, birth center, or obstetric providers at all. The report also found that 12.4% of people live more than 30 minutes from the nearest birthing hospital, making timely care even harder to reach.
A “C” on preterm births isn’t acceptable for PA’s mothers, families and babies; it’s a clear signal that bold, sustainable action is urgently needed. Understanding and addressing the barriers that keep mothers and pregnant people from receiving consistent, high‑quality care remains crucial and a mission for organizations such as MCC who are working diligently to champion family-friendly policies.
Economic Security and Maternal Health
Maternal health is closely connected to economic security. Financial stability is a strong indicator of long-term family wellbeing. When families face economic insecurity, access to reproductive healthcare, prenatal care, postpartum care, and essential treatments becomes limited. Food insecurity and poor maternal nutrition are associated with a higher risk of maternal depression, gestational diabetes, and preterm births for mothers, impacting the well-being of the entire family.
Additionally, unstable housing adds stress and health challenges. Job instability, low wages, and the lack of a paid leave policy heightens stress, depression, and can delay child development. This underscores why economic insecurity is a maternal health issue. Economic security is crucial for improved maternal health outcomes.
MCC’s Commitment to Families
MCC believes that supporting maternal health means supporting families holistically. Our coalition of educators, mothers, birthing people, and advocates works to advance policies that strengthen families from pregnancy through early childhood (ages 0-3). Our commitment to maternal health and family economic wellbeing includes expanding access to essential resources and services, growing perinatal workforce programs such as MCC’s Community Doula and Lactation Program, and advancing equitable prenatal and early childhood economic security policies such as urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a paid leave policy.
Empowering Families with Choice
Breastfeeding is often talked about and encouraged, but real support goes a long way. Parents should feel supported every step of the way. Having access to helpful resources, information, and safe and comfortable lactation spaces helps moms and families feel respected, supported and cared for.
MCC emphasizes the importance of informed choice. We empower parents, pregnant people, and families to make decisions that reflect their own needs and circumstances. True choice requires access. Without paid leave, lactation spaces, and supportive workplace policies, families cannot fully exercise autonomy over their health and wellbeing.
Moving Forward Together
Maternal Health Awareness Day is not only about recognizing the importance of maternal care—it is about action. Thriving beyond pregnancy means ensuring families have a community of care. This community should include quality healthcare, economic security, resources, and services they need to flourish. MCC champions family wellbeing by advocating policies and programs that allow every family, pregnant person, and child to thrive. Moving forward together means turning awareness into action, so all families have the opportunity to thrive—before, during, and long after pregnancy.