Empowering Moms with the Boppy x M.O.M.S. Partnership

In a world where maternal health disparities continue to persist, it is more important than ever to support amazing organizations supporting moms. This year, Boppy has partnered with Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower (M.O.M.S.) to reach expectant mothers in urban and rural communities with the highest maternal and morbidity rates.

Maternal health disparities in Black and rural communities have been a significant public health concern in the United States. These disparities are characterized by higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and women in rural areas compared to their white and urban counterparts.

1. Black Maternal Mortality: Black women in the United States have consistently experienced higher maternal mortality rates. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is approximately two to three times higher than that of white women. Black women are at an increased risk of maternal morbidity, which includes severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The reasons for this disparity are complex and include socioeconomic factors, systemic racism, and disparities in healthcare access.
2. Rural Maternal Mortality: Maternal mortality rates are also higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. Limited access to healthcare facilities, longer travel times, and fewer healthcare providers can contribute to this disparity. Limited access to healthcare services, including prenatal care, can contribute to an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

1. Socioeconomic Factors: Both Black and rural communities often face socioeconomic disparities that can impact maternal health. These disparities can include poverty, limited access to healthy food, and inadequate housing.
2. Healthcare Access: In rural areas, the distance to healthcare facilities and a shortage of healthcare providers can result in delayed or inadequate prenatal care, which can increase the risk of adverse maternal outcomes.
3. Systemic Racism: Systemic racism has a profound impact on Black maternal health. Black women often face biases and discrimination within the healthcare system, leading to disparities in care and health outcomes.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The M.O.M.S. Tour is an ambitious project to visit 50 cities and reach 25,000 expectant mothers. This initiative was intentionally designed to serve those at greatest risk, including Black and AI/AN moms in communities with alarmingly high maternal mortality rates while building future maternal support in the community by increasing the doula profession and certifying doulas. These are communities where access to quality maternal care is limited, and the statistics for maternal outcomes are dire and a multi-pronged approach can help improve outcomes faster.

Boppy is honored to partner with the M.O.M.S. Tour and provide our award-winning Boppy Original Nursing Pillows to the moms at these events. By providing 2,150 Boppy Original Nursing Pillows, Boppy has made a significant contribution to the M.O.M.S. Tour. Boppy has provided almost $100,000 in in-kind donations to help mothers across the tour access a crucial piece of maternity care equipment that enhances their comfort and supports breastfeeding.

If you'd like to explore further details about the M.O.M.S. Tour and its incredible impact, you can visit the official event page on the Administration for Children and Families website: Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower - M.O.M.S. Tour.