Infant Mortality, Racism, And Sexism
Racism and sexism are killing us. According to the Centers for Disease Control, black women in America die at three to four times the rate of white women during childbirth. Black babies die at twice the rate of white babies. The chronic stress black women experience from combined racism and sexism may be the reason for higher rates of pre-term birth, low-birthweight, and infant and maternal mortality among black mothers and babies. Listen here to find out why.
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Breastfeeding Discrimination: Two-Generational Harm
Workplace breastfeeding discrimination lawsuits are up 800% over the past decade. Without having access to appropriate accommodations for breastfeeding, mothers are at risk of developing painful infections and may become unable to produce enough milk to sustain a baby’s nutritional needs. Maryland does not currently have specific lactation laws in place so knowing how to accommodate nursing moms is necessary to keep them on the job. Listen now to learn more.
Resources
How companies can support breastfeeding employees (Harvard Business Review)
Breastfeeding state laws (NCSL)
Exposed: Discrimination against breastfeeding workers (Pregnant At Work)
Caregivers in the workplace (Work Life Law)
Breastfeeding state laws (NCSL)
Exposed: Discrimination against breastfeeding workers (Pregnant At Work)
Caregivers in the workplace (Work Life Law)
Child Abuse Prevention: Know The Symptoms
One in seven is pretty good odds. The Centers for Disease Control, however, report that one in seven American children has experienced abuse or neglect in some form over the past year. Whether you’re a parent, relative, friend, teacher, or neighbor, recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect can help improve a child’s chance for survival.
Resources
Be part of the solution to end child abuse and neglect (The Sentinel Echo)
Advocacy center launching child abuse awareness campaign (Kent County News)
Advocacy center launching child abuse awareness campaign (Kent County News)
Books Win Out
A study at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital examined the effects of reading with toddlers using physical books versus reading with technology. The results show that it may be time to unplug and visit a library near you. Listen now to find out more benefits of good old-fashioned books over screens and tablets.
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No Child Care, No Workforce
Half of all U.S. families has reported difficulty finding child care. According to the Council for a Strong America, the U.S. national economy loses roughly $57 billion each year as a result of child care issues. Businesses depend on employees, and employees depend on child care. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make child care a better business. Listen here to learn more.
Resources
The Child Care Crisis is Keeping Women Out of the Workforce (Center for American Progress)
Vision Screenings & Early Awareness
Look at this: According to the American Optometric Association, infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age, an additional exam at age three, and another before entering first grade. Can you see why this is so important? Listen here to find out more.
Resources
Eye exams for children: Why they're important (All About Vision)
InfantSee (InfantSee)
Child's Vision (American Optometric Association)
InfantSee (InfantSee)
Child's Vision (American Optometric Association)
Benefits Of Breastfeeding
It’s well known that breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for newborns. Perhaps less well known is the fact that breastfeeding can offset the possible negative prenatal consequences of intimate partner violence. Listen here to learn how breastfeeding promotes a child’s physical and mental health.
Make (Green) Space For Mental Health
Growing up near green spaces is good for mental health. In fact, the more time young children spend in nature the lower the risk of mental health issues later in life. So find the closest green space near you - whether it’s a community garden, an urban park, or a lush forest - and explore the benefits of Mother Nature.
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Bullying & Depression
A recent study out of Canada has found that children who both bully and are bullied are at higher risk of experiencing childhood depression as well as depression in adulthood. Children cannot protect themselves from bullying, and should not be expected to do so. Parents, child care providers, teachers, babysitters, and pediatricians have the ability to determine the environment in which a child grows. It’s imperative that this environment exclude bullying of all types.
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The Importance Of Play
Kids just want to have fun. That’s good because children learn through play. And playing with your children offers you a way to put more fun in your busy, serious life. Make time to play with a child today and as often as possible.