Infant & Maternal Health

Our Commitment

We are working to improve birth outcomes and eliminate disparities by providing affordable and easily accessible resources in our communities. Learn how our outreach, programs and efforts are improving the lives of mothers and babies in the state of Indiana.

Facts About Infant Mortality

Infant Safe Sleep

Sleep-related deaths are the third leading cause of infant mortality among babies between one and 12 months of age. Sudden Infant Death (SUID), the sudden and unexpected death of an infant, is often found to be linked with accidental suffocation and strangulation while sleeping. Recommended implementations includes following the ABCs:

• Have a designated, safe space for the infant to sleep alone.
• Place an infant to sleep on their back.
• Use a crib or similar portable bassinet with a flat surface and fitted sheet.
• Remember to keep loose items away from the sleep space: toys, blankets, pillows.

To help decrease infant sleep-related deaths, IU Health has implemented sleep safe education programs. In 2022, IU Health Arnett Hospital was recognized as a Gold Certified Safe Sleep Champion by the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. As a part of our ongoing commitment to demonstrate best practices and educate on infant safe sleep, visit our Classes & Events listings to find a support group near you.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be a beneficial and rewarding experience for you and your baby, but it doesn’t always come naturally. Knowledge and access to the right resources can help make breastfeeding more efficient and enjoyable.

Our Breastfeeding Support program offers education, access to breast pumps and support groups to fit a variety of needs.

Substance Use During Pregnancy

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is caused when a baby has withdrawal symptoms from drugs they were exposed to in the womb. This can cause life-long, severe health consequences and even stillbirth.

Common and legal addictive substances, such as tobacco, heavily contribute to stillbirth rates. Those who heavily smoke while pregnant are more than twice as likely to experience stillbirth.

If you or someone you know is pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, and need assistance to quit smoking, our smoking cessation programs can help.

Pregnancy & Post-partum Depression

Pregnancy and childbirth can bring on many emotions. Although newborn bonding can be exciting, it is also common to feel symptoms of anxiety and depression. Commonly known as the “baby blues”, hormones can cause mood swings, crying spells, difficulty sleeping and not feeling like yourself.

If the “baby blues” becomes overwhelming, IU Health offers many behavioral health services, including individual therapy and support groups.

Obstetric Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhaging is bleeding that occurs within 24 hours after birth. It is the most common and dangerous complication of childbirth, according to the National Institutes of Health. Common symptoms include:

• Heavy bleeding from the vagina
• Drop in blood pressure
• Blurry vision
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness

If you are experiencing symptoms of obstetric hemorrhage, seek immediate medical care. Need financial assistance? Get connected to free or low-cost resources and assistance by visiting iuhealth.org/findhelp.