2024 Focus: Maternal Care

On May 30th, we heard from our final two Maternal Health Organizations. Read their presentations here:

The 2024 Forward Giving Circle granted $40,000 to Casa de los Angelitos and $10,000 to Happy Mama, Healthy Baby Alliance to address inequities in maternal health.

What is Maternal Care?

Maternal care refers to all aspects of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care. It includes low-, moderate-, and high-risk care; defining what constitutes these levels of risk should be individualized by facilities and regions, with input from their obstetric care providers.

Who is affected by maternal health?

Maternal mortality is highest among women living in rural areas and poorer communities. Younger adolescents (ages 10-14) face a higher risk of complications and death as a result of pregnancy than other women. Skilled care before, during, and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.

What are the benefits of maternal care?

In other cases, maternal health can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal health revolves around the health and wellness of pregnant women, particularly when they are pregnant, when they give birth, and during child-raising.

Examples of Maternal Health Care Services

Physical exams, blood tests, and calculations of due dates. Prenatal tests to check for issues such as anemia, infection, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and birth defects. Regular checkups throughout pregnancy to assess factors such as weight and fetal growth.  Additional services for the following are also included:

```
Antenatal care (during pregnancy)
```
```
Intrapartum care (during labor)
```
```
Postpartum care (following delivery)
```
```
Family Planning/Counseling
```
```
HIV Treatment
```
```
Childcare
```

Forward Giving Circle is a California nonprofit corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178). Contributions to Forward Giving are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Players Philanthropy Fund

1122 Kenilworth Drive #201, Towson, MD 21204.