Mississippi Sisterhood Protects Moms and Newborns

Sisters in Birth is a Jackson-based pregnancy and birth clinic committed to keeping moms and babies alive and healthy in Mississippi, a state with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S. To help reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and COVID-19 infections in moms and their babies, Sisters in Birth launched a new partnership in the spring of 2023 with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection and UnitedHealthcare. Thanks to the collaboration, Sisters in Birth organized a series of pregnancy-related health education events in community centers throughout the state. At the first event in Ridgeland, MS, Sisters in Birth community health worker and former patient Ariona Whalen spoke about pregnancy and the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, breastfeeding, and safe sleep methods to prevent SIDS.