Birth by the Numbers - How Does the US Measure & Why You Should Care

If you haven't yet seen the video "Birth by the Numbers" by Gene Declercq, Ph.D, LCCE, and the Boston University School of Public Health, I encourage you to take 20 minutes and watch it now. Whether you have been pregnant, are pregnant, trying to conceive, or will be pregnant some day in the future, learning about the state of the U.S. maternal infant health care will likely help you make better decisions about your own care in pregnancy and birth (the decision you make matter!), or perhaps encourage you to get involved in improving birth yourself. Even if you don't consider yourself a "numbers person," Declercq's video is presented in a straighforward, easy-to-understand, and at times, humourous way. The video, which was updated earlier this month, answers the questions: Is the US doing better or worse in maternal and child health? Why? How can you help?

For more information on Birth by the Numbers, check out their website, which offers more information about birth statistics in the United States and internationally.