November Is Prematurity Awareness Month
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., OCTOBER 13, 2005 – Nearly half a million babies are born prematurely every year and the number is rising. That's why MotherhoodÒ Maternity, a March of Dimes National Prematurity Campaign Sponsor, has joined in a national effort with the March of Dimes to raise awareness and fund research to save babies from premature birth. Together the two organizations are also supporting local programs that offer hope and help to families with a baby in neonatal intensive care.
"MotherhoodÒ Maternity is committed to providing vital information to help pregnant women decrease their risk of premature birth and become aware of the warning signs of preterm labor,'' says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "They are a committed partner and friend in our mission to improve the health of babies."
Premature birth (less than 37 weeks gestation) is the number one killer of newborns and a major cause of lifelong disability in babies and children. According to the latest government statistics, 12.3 percent of babies in the U.S. – or 1 in 8 babies - are born prematurely. The March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month to send the alert that premature birth is a growing crisis in our country and to bring people together to help.
For the third year in a row, more than 800 MotherhoodÒ Maternity stores nationwide will distribute educational materials and information about the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign to first time visitors from October 15th through November 15th. Motherhood Maternity shoppers are invited to support the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign by making a donation either in-store or online at motherhood.com.
"MotherhoodÒ Maternity is pleased to support the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Campaign," according to Rebecca Matthias, president of Motherhood's parent company, Mothers Work, Inc. "Healthy pregnancies are key to decreasing premature births and we understand the importance of education for expectant families. We encourage all moms-to-be to come into our stores and get valuable information from the March of Dimes about having a healthy baby and making a donation to help the cause."
In November, visit marchofdimes.com to find out what you can do for pink and blue to help prevent premature birth. You can send a message of hope for premature babies by wearing pink and blue; raising awareness with March of Dimes wristbands, car magnets and ribbons; sending e-mails and letters; and supporting research. "Help give all babies their 9 months during Prematurity Awareness Month in November and any time of year," Dr. Howse says.
Motherhood® Maternity is the nation's leading maternity retailer. Visit Motherhood® at 800 store locations, motherhood.com or call 1.800.4MOM2BE.
