Ohio ranked 7th worst in the nation for overall infant mortality between 2015-2019.

We’re changing that

In Cincinnati, the mortality rate for Black babies is 2-3x the rate compared to white babies. Cincinnati’s overall infant mortality rate is 11.1 per 1000 births-which is above the Healthy People goal of <5 (City of Cincinnati Mortality_5 yr report). Our adjourning neighborhood of Corryville had the highest infant mortality rate of 41 babies per 1000.

The leading cause of infant mortality in our city is prematurity and low birth weight. Midwifery care is the solution. Midwives have very low rates of preterm birth. For the past three years, our practice’s preterm birth rate was 0%.

These funds go into a financial aid fund for birthing people of color and other vulnerable populations. Funds cover the cost of midwifery care while we pursue contracts with Ohio Medicaid insurance for the Birth Center and to cover home birth. Ohio Medicaid will not cover home birth at this time.

We’re pleased to announce that in February 2023 we were awarded the $25,000 Boots on the Ground Grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation! This grant covered cost of midwifery care for patients qualifying for Medicaid.

In 2022 we were able to offer financial aid to 12 individuals. In 2023 we raised over $50,000 and were able to offer financial aid to 16 individuals, fund training for two midwives, and train six birth assistants.

“The leading cause of infant mortality in our city is prematurity and low birth weight. Midwifery care is the solution. Midwives have very low rates of preterm birth. For the past three years our practice’s preterm birth rate was 0%. These outcomes are consistent with midwifery practices throughout the US”

- Meghan Nowland