Medela Statement on the Rise of Maternal Mortality in the USA

At Medela, we are deeply concerned about the rising maternal mortality rates in the United States. The recent CDC report highlights a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the broader community.

As a company dedicated to supporting mothers and babies, we recognize the urgent need to address the root causes of maternal mortality and to improve access to quality maternal healthcare for everyone. We believe that all mothers have the right to safe, respectful care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. By working together to implement evidence-based interventions addressing the social, economic, and healthcare-related factors contributing to maternal mortality, stakeholders can prioritize the needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities, who experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality.

We also encourage customers and readers to get involved to support efforts focused on improving these maternal health outcomes. Here are some steps you can take:

Educate yourself: Learn about the root causes of maternal mortality and the interventions that can help reduce it. Investigate reports and articles from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and leading healthcare organizations.

Advocate for policy change: Contact your elected officials and urge them to prioritize maternal health – you can look them up at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials. You can also support advocacy campaigns and petitions, such as the USBC letter to Congress, that call for increased funding and resources for maternal healthcare.

Donate your time: Consider donating or volunteering with organizations, such as March of Dimes, Every Mother Counts, or others that provide maternal healthcare services, or support research on maternal health. You can also find giveback opportunities at local hospitals or community organizations that serve mothers and families.

Medela is committed to supporting these efforts by providing innovative solutions that improve the breastfeeding and pumping experience for mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is a critical component of maternal and child health, which is consistently supported by clinical research, and we will continue to advocate for policies and programs that promote breastfeeding as a public health priority.

We stand in solidarity with all the advocates, healthcare professionals and others working to reduce maternal mortality rates in the United States and around the world, and we remain committed to our mission of supporting mothers and babies on their breastfeeding journeys.

Medela Americas