U.S. Needs to Do More About Newborn Death, Study Suggests

Grant writers seeking to fund doula programs can make use of data related to infant mortality when making their case. The number of newborns who died in the first four weeks of life declined worldwide from 4.6 million in 1990 to 3.3 million in 2009, according to a recent report by researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, researchers said the U.S. “isn’t making progress like other countries,” with a newborn death rate higher than 40 other countries at 4.3 for every 1,000 live births. The study, covering 20 years and all 193 WHO Member States was led by researchers from WHO, Save the Children, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The estimates are based on more data than ever analyzed before and extensive consultations with countries. The study shows detailed trends over time and forecasts potential future progress. Read the full report here.

In 20 years, the U.S. reduced its newborn mortality rate 26 percent, slower than the global average. More than 19,000 newborns still die each year. The U.S. now trails 40 other countries when it comes to risk of newborn death. In 1990, the U.S. had the 28th lowest risk. It is now tied for 41st place with Qatar, Croatia, and United Arab Emirates. All have a newborn death rate of 4.3 per 1,000 live births.

“There are areas of the United States where access to prenatal and preventive care is a real problem. It puts the mother at a disadvantage and contributes to premature births and death rate,” says the study’s author Dr. Joy Lawn of the non-government organization Save the Children.

The study says the leading causes of newborn death worldwide are preterm delivery, asphyxia and severe infections. More than a half million babies in the United States, one in every eight, are born premature each year.

The Doula Programs blog provides a forum for doula program visionaries and implementers to consider common challenges, ask questions, and learn from each other. Patty Brennan is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business.

Posted by Patty Brennan on December 8, 2011 • Filed under Doula Programs
Comments (1)

Comments

One Response to “U.S. Needs to Do More About Newborn Death, Study Suggests”

  1. Diana Sundwall on January 1st, 2012 at 6:30 pm:

    I thought you might like to know about this very special training. I hope you don’t mind that I share this event. This unique IRIS Training is open to anyone who would like to help parents that have an infant or young child die from any cause. This training will be very helpful to those involved in childbirth. https://www.facebook.com/events/151522608283634/