Moms2B: Addressing Maternal and Infant Health Disparities by Empowering Mothers

IMPACT. 1: Since the program's inception in September 2010, 311 women have been enrolled into the program. In addition, almost 200 babies have been welcomed into the world! -- 2. An evaluation of program impact revealed that 100% of participants agree and/or strongly agree that because of Moms2B they have a better understanding of their personal health, know the importance of eating healthy, and would recommend Moms2B to a friend. -- 3. In 2010, only 33% of our participants reported initiating breastfeeding while in the hospital. Today, almost 70% of our moms initiate breastfeeding immediately following birth.OSU PARTNERS: College of Medicine; College of Social Work; College of Nursing; College of Public Health; The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: United Way of Central Ohio; New Directions; Healthy Families; Mount Carmel Health Systems; Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers; Kroger Corporation; Columbus Public Health; Governor's Office of Community and Faith Based Initiatives; CareSourcePRIMARY CONTACT: Carmen Clutter (carmen.clutter@osumc.edu)The Moms2B program integrates social and clinical education and support to reduce the underlying factors causing preterm births and infant deaths directly addressing social determinants of health. Moms2B works to improve infant mortality rates by weekly sessions educating on topics related to nutrition and maternal and infant health, including breastfeeding, labor and delivery, safe spacing, and safe sleep practices, assessing and addressing immediate maternal needs including housing instability and food insecurity, and linking moms to outside agencies to meet their education and employment goals