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Ending the Invisible Neglect of America's Infants: A Must-Read for Parents and Policymakers

Graham Blair

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For Our Babies: Ending the Invisible Neglect of America's Infants

by J. Ronald Lally

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1233 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

In the United States, a nation that prides itself on its wealth and technological advancements, the infant mortality rate is a glaring indictment of our collective failure to protect our most vulnerable citizens. For decades, this critical issue has been largely ignored, hidden in the shadows of a healthcare system that often fails to meet the needs of our youngest and most fragile patients.

But now, a groundbreaking book is shedding light on this urgent crisis and demanding immediate action. "Ending the Invisible Neglect of America's Infants" is an essential read for parents, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the well-being of our children. Written by a team of leading experts in infant health, this comprehensive and eye-opening account delves into the complex factors contributing to infant mortality and morbidity in the United States, and offers evidence-based solutions to improve the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

The book begins by painting a sobering picture of the current state of infant health in the United States. The authors reveal that, despite significant progress in reducing infant mortality rates over the past few decades, the United States still lags behind other developed nations. In 2020, the infant mortality rate in the United States was 5.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 2.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in Japan and 3.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in Canada.

Even more alarmingly, the infant mortality rate in the United States is not evenly distributed. Black infants are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday as white infants. American Indian/Alaska Native infants are also at increased risk of infant mortality, as are infants born to mothers who are poor or uninsured.

The authors of "Ending the Invisible Neglect of America's Infants" argue that these disparities are not inevitable. They are the result of systemic racism, poverty, and other social determinants of health that create barriers to accessing quality healthcare for infants and their mothers.

The book provides a detailed examination of the factors that contribute to infant mortality and morbidity in the United States, including:

Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Infant sleep-related deaths
Birth defects
Access to healthcare
Quality of healthcare
Maternal health
Social determinants of health

The authors also offer a comprehensive set of evidence-based solutions to address these challenges, including:

Expanding access to prenatal care
Improving the quality of prenatal care
Reducing the number of preterm births
Reducing the number of low birth weight infants
Improving access to safe and affordable housing
Improving access to nutrition programs
Expanding access to early childhood education
Reducing the number of uninsured children
Addressing the social determinants of health

"Ending the Invisible Neglect of America's Infants" is a call to action. It is a must-read for parents, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the well-being of our children. This book has the power to change the lives of countless infants and their families, and it is a must-have resource for anyone who wants to create a more just and equitable society for all.

To learn more about the book, visit the website at www.endingtheinvisibleneglect.org.

For Our Babies: Ending the Invisible Neglect of America's Infants

by J. Ronald Lally

4.7 out of 5