Fighting for healthy babies

In 1989, one in nine babies was born prematurely. Mine was one of them. She was so small that I could fit my wedding ring over her arm; so sick that she didn't come home for more than four months.

Fast forward to 2013 when one in nine babies was born prematurely. You read that right. The same statistic decades later. It's not that the rate hasn't changed. Preterm birth actually increased by 20 percent between 1990 and 2005, when it started to decline. So we're back where we began - mild cause for celebration. I suggest we hold our applause and turn it to action to dramatically reduce the rate of preterm birth.

Why is preterm birth a problem? It's the leading cause of newborn death and disability. Premature babies aren't simply tiny versions of healthy newborns. When babies are born too soon, their organs - including brains, hearts, lungs - aren't fully formed. Many of these children have serious conditions the rest of their lives, such as cerebral palsy, breathing, hearing and vision problems. Even babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of long-term complications.

Prematurity takes its toll in many other ways, disrupting parents' ability to work and care for other children. The financial costs to families, businesses and the entire community are huge. The average medical cost for a healthy baby is $4,300; for a premature baby, it's $55,000. For very early babies like my daughter, the cost can exceed 1 million dollars. Prematurity is not a fringe issue; it's a public health crisis.

A public health crisis with some clear solutions.

The March of Dimes is lighting the way. Through education, research and advocacy, we're committed to making every baby a healthy, full-term baby.

Education:

We already know how to reduce some risk factors: stop smoking, eliminate elective deliveries before 39 weeks gestation, educate expectant parents about the signs of preterm labor. Businesses can do their part with the free program Healthy Babies, Healthy Business.

Research:

The March of Dimes funds groundbreaking research, resulting in innovations like surfactant therapy to help preterm newborns breathe. Babies in Iowa receive screening for 29 inherited disorders, including screenings developed with funding by the March of Dimes. We're investing in a network of new research centers to understand the causes of preterm birth and find solutions.

Advocacy:

It's essential to make prenatal care accessible and affordable for all women. The March of Dimes advocates for programs that improve the health of moms and babies.

November marks Prematurity Awareness Month and my daughter's 25th birthday. She's made remarkable, hard-won progress. Prematurity hasn't fared as well. My daughter's generation faces the same odds of prematurity as mine did, a stunning statistic given medical advances in other areas.

We can all play a part in making things better. Today is World Prematurity Day. Support research happening here in Iowa. Volunteer to make a difference. Change the odds for all our children and for generations to come. Ready to help? Call the March of Dimes at 319-247-5643.

' Michelle LeCompte is volunteer leader for the March of Dimes Hawkeye Division. Comments: michelle.lecompte@heliocontent.com