Maternal Health

New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:57:31 +0000

New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2024

Media Contact: Kyle Casteel

Communication Office │ Department of Health

802-863-7280 │ [email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]

New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy

Officials highlight decreased use of alcohol and cigarettes while new challenges emerge

WATERBURY, VT — New data from a survey of people who recently gave birth found improvements in health behaviors since 2016, including high rates of prenatal care and breastfeeding, and a reduction in drinking and cigarette use during pregnancy.

The data comes from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, which asks a sample of people about their experiences before and after giving birth about substance use, mental health, preventive care and more. The new report covers 2016 to 2022.

“The progress we’re seeing is encouraging and a testament to the care and support Vermonters have for their families,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “Reducing health risks and increasing prevention during this critical time improves health for babies and families.”

Despite several positive trends, the data also highlights areas of concern, including increased use of cannabis and e-cigarettes before and during pregnancy. Reports of depression before and during pregnancy are also on the rise.

“Health care professionals, social service providers and partners can use this data to continue our strong collaborations and focus our efforts in supporting families,” Dr. Levine said.

Health officials pointed to programs including WIC, Support Delivered, Strong Families Vermont Home Visiting and Vermont’s Perinatal Quality Collaborative as drivers of positive outcomes for expecting families. The Health Department was recently awarded a state Maternal Health Innovation grant of $5 million over the next five years to improve health during the perinatal period — before and after birth.

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Highlights

Areas of improvement:

98% of pregnant people attend at least one prenatal care visit
Cigarette use during pregnancy decreased from 18% in 2016 to 10% in 2022
12% of pregnant people report drinking during pregnancy compared to 17% in 2016
97% of people successfully start breastfeeding/chestfeeding when their baby is born and 85% continue for at least eight weeks
100% of new Vermont parents report having a car seat in their vehicle

Areas of concern:

E-cigarette use during pregnancy doubled from 2% in 2016 to 4% in 2022
8% of pregnant people used cannabis in 2016, in 2022 that number increased to 10%
Reports of depression before and during pregnancy increased in the six-year survey period
97% of people who give birth in Vermont take parental leave, but most report they did not feel they had enough time off

See the full Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Report.

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Translated Information – Print, video and audio resources are translated into many of the languages used in Vermont. Visit HealthVermont.gov/Translations for searchable tables of documents in each of the nine languages – including about preventing illness, healthy homes, and staying safe and healthy during extreme events like storms, power outages, hurricanes, and flooding.

About the Department of Health

We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.

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adm-kyle.casteel Tue, 11/12/2024 - 09:57

Making strides on health during pregnancy.

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:55:34 +0000

Making strides on health during pregnancy. adm-kristen.cameron Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:55

Maternal Health

Pregnancy

Reproductive Health

Find new data on maternal health

adm-slide-hsi-prams-report.png

WIC Discounts

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:58:38 +0000

WIC Discounts

olh_Sharon.Muellers Thu, 06/29/2023 - 08:58

Get discounts on other programs and services by participating in Vermont WIC!
You may need to show your WIC card to receive these discounts.

Local Breastfeeding Resources

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:01:58 +0000

Local Breastfeeding Resources

Contact your local health department office for a list of in-person and virtual support groups in your area and see Lactation Support and Pump Providers. In-home or virtual lactation consults may be covered by Medicaid or private insurance.

Join other Vermont birthing parents for virtual classes facilitated by WIC.

Strong Families Vermont offers Nurse Home Visits to support your pregnancy, feeding, and parenting journey. Contact Children’s Integrated Services coordinators.

La Leche League of MA, RI, and VT offers monthly meetings and one-on-one support in some parts of the state.

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 09:01

Breastfeeding Laws

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:00:15 +0000

Breastfeeding Laws

Vermont laws protect individuals who nurse in public and support nursing parents when they return to the workplace. Healthcare reform at the federal level put in place break time requirements for employers, and the PUMP Act was signed into law in 2022, expanding coverage for more employees. The PUMP Act also allows an employee to file a lawsuit if the employer does not provide accommodations.

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 09:00

Separation

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:57:23 +0000

Separation

If you are going to be separated from your baby, you may need ongoing support navigating challenges that may arise. Many birthing parents who are separated from their baby face engorgement, leaking, and declining production, as well as potential emotional challenges. Learn about the laws that protect you as a nursing parent and practical solutions to making breastfeeding or chestfeeding work!

Returning to Work

Going back to work can bring up a lot of emotions. Planning for your return while you are pregnant can put you at ease when the time arrives for you to return.

Learn how to bottle feed the breastfed baby.

Pumping Resources

Breastfeeding at Home, at Work, and in Public

Pumping and Milk Storage

Pumps and Supplies

Insurance coverage may vary. Check with your private insurance to learn what they offer. Medicaid requires a prescription from your health care provider 60 days before your baby’s due date and up to 120 days after birth; one pump per pregnancy. Pumps may also be available from  WIC.

Acelleron
877-932-6327
Massachusetts-based mail-order breast pumps

Corporate Lactation Services
802-875-5683 or 888-818-5653
Vermont-based mail-order breast pumps; virtual lactation consults

Lactation Resources of Vermont
802-878-6181 
Vermont-based mail-order breast pumps; in-person and virtual lactation consults

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 08:57

Milk Supply

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:55:00 +0000

Milk Supply

Ways to increase milk supply

The main way to increase milk supply in the early days and weeks is to breastfeed or chestfeed early and frequently.
Let baby feed as often and for as long as needed.
Feed at least 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Offer both breasts at each feeding.
Massage and compression can help baby empty breasts completely during or after pumping.
When baby is finished, you can use hand expression, or “hands-on pumping” (using hand expression while pumping) to maximize the amount of milk you express and make sure your breasts are empty.
If you are struggling with milk supply, reach out to a lactation professional.

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 08:55

Skin-to-Skin & Latch

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:50:04 +0000

Skin-to-Skin & Latch

Skin-to-skin contact encourages both breastfeeding/chestfeeding and bonding in baby’s first days

Relax in a comfortable position and lay baby on your bare chest in the first hour for skin-to-skin contact.
Cover baby with blanket to keep warm.
Make eye contact, talk, sing and enjoy your time together.
It can be discouraging if your baby doesn’t latch immediately. Give them time, they are learning too.
Continue skin-to-skin contact during your hospital stay and when you get back home. The more time you spend in skin-to-skin contact, the easier it will be for your baby to find the nipple and latch-on. Babies learn to breastfeed/chestfeed by being at the breast or chest.

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 08:50

Prepare for Success

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:46:58 +0000

Prepare for Success

Prepare before your baby is born

Talk to your healthcare provider
Attend classes through your hospital or WIC
Build a support team – your health care provider, lactation professional, peer support group, home health nurses and WIC clinic may be available to support you!

Provide a good start in the first days

Breastfeed or chestfeed within the first hour after the baby is born. If the baby does not latch in the first hour, hand express colostrum, your first milk
Hold your baby skin to skin in the first days and beyond.
Let baby set the pace and feeding schedule – follow their cues.
Feed baby at least 8-12 times a day.
Your milk only (unless baby needs supplementation for medical reasons) and let others know. Avoid bottles or pacifiers until breastfeeding or chestfeeding is consistent.
Lean on your support network.

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 08:46

Why Breastfeed?

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:44:56 +0000

Why Breastfeed?

Human milk has antibodies, anti-allergens and anti-virus properties not found in formula. It’s the perfect combination of fats, sugar and protein and has over 200 nutrients to support an infant’s development.

adm-kristen.cameron Wed, 07/13/2022 - 08:44

You can learn more about the benefits and the science of breastfeeding by visiting the US Department of Health and Human Services which includes Your Guide to Breastfeeding, a resource to help guide you on your journey.

Maternal Health

New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy

Making strides on health during pregnancy.

WIC Discounts

Local Breastfeeding Resources

Breastfeeding Laws

Separation

Returning to Work

Pumping Resources

Pumps and Supplies

Milk Supply

Ways to increase milk supply

Skin-to-Skin & Latch

Skin-to-skin contact encourages both breastfeeding/chestfeeding and bonding in baby’s first days​

Prepare for Success

Prepare before your baby is born

Provide a good start in the first days​

Why Breastfeed?

Skin-to-skin contact encourages both breastfeeding/chestfeeding and bonding in baby’s first days

Provide a good start in the first days