Schneider Electric partners with United Solar Initiative to install microgrids at maternal healthcare clinics in Guatemala, providing reliable energy to improve maternal health outcomes and combat high maternal mortality rates in the region. This initiative builds upon the company’s successful microgrid deployments in Kenya, demonstrating the life-saving impact of consistent power for essential medical care.
HemoSonics, a medical device company, has been awarded a $525,000 grand prize in the NIH’s RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge. The company’s Quantra Hemostasis System, used for managing acute bleeding, shows promise for preventing postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality. This win highlights the potential of innovative diagnostics to improve maternal health outcomes and address global health disparities.
The European Union and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced a new financing mechanism aimed at improving access to contraceptives and maternal health medicines for women in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative addresses a critical gap in funding for these essential health products, which could reach $1.5 billion by 2030.
This article explores the societal pressure on mothers to breastfeed in Singapore, highlighting the potential negative impact on their mental health. It calls for a more nuanced approach to postpartum support and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mothers’ well-being. The article also discusses available resources for breastfeeding mothers and those struggling with postpartum mental health.
Despite advancements in medical care, racial health disparities persist in reproductive care, affecting Black women and other marginalized groups disproportionately. These disparities include higher risks of miscarriage, limited access to fertility treatments, and inadequate support during pregnancy and childbirth. Racism and systemic barriers play a significant role in these disparities, leading to unequal outcomes in reproductive health. The author, a Black woman, shares her personal insights and explores the experiences of others to shed light on these critical issues and advocate for systemic change.
A mother’s devastating account of losing her baby boy due to birth trauma and the subsequent inquest that found failings in the standard of care. Despite the pain and grief, she shares her story to highlight the need for improved maternity care and to support other families who have experienced similar loss.
Mixbook, the #1 rated photo book company, is partnering with popular social media influencers and the Mamapsychologist account in recognition of Mother’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Month. Through the “Moments of Motherhood” photo book collection, Mixbook is promoting empowerment, gratitude, and conversations around maternal mental health, while also supporting Postpartum Support International (PSI) with a portion of the proceeds. The curated collection of photo books is designed to inspire and celebrate the journey of motherhood, while also prioritizing the mental well-being of mothers.
The Supreme Court will consider Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, which conflicts with federal law requiring hospitals to provide stabilizing care for pregnant patients in emergencies. Despite the conflict, the Court previously stayed EMTALA, allowing the ban to take effect, resulting in devastating consequences for pregnant patients in Idaho. Doctors are forced to transfer patients out of state for emergency abortions, delaying critical care and causing unnecessary pain and risk. The Court now has the opportunity to overturn its earlier ruling and uphold the federal law protecting pregnant patients’ health.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget to provide pregnant women with an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care. The budget also includes financial incentives for hospitals to reduce unnecessary C-sections, eliminates cost-sharing for certain pregnancy-related expenses, and invests $37 billion in Medicaid to support the state’s healthcare system. Additionally, the budget prohibits hospitals from suing low-income patients, expands hospital financial assistance programs, and limits medical debt collections.
