Prevention

Various strategies exist to reduce infant mortality. Strategies include: 

• Reducing maternal obesity 

• Reducing maternal smoking and alcohol consumption

• Improving access and use of prenatal care  

• Improving preconception health of all women

• Improving sleep habits among infant and newborns

  • The CDC ​provides information on how to eliminate sleeping hazards for your baby

​

Additionally, the CDC works together with health care providers, communities, and partners to reduce infant deaths in the United States. 

​

One example of a community-based health program at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center that works to reduce infant mortality rates is the Moms2B program. 

​

Moms2B is a growing program made up of doctors, nurses, dietitians, lactation counselors, navigators, community health workers, social workers, and health care students that services over 2,500 expecting and new mothers. By integrating education, services, and support to directly affected neighborhoods, Moms2B has significantly reduced mortality rates from 19 per 1,000 births to 10 per 1,000 births.

​