Maternal health refers to the wellbeing of pregnant individuals during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Promoting maternal health is vital for healthy outcomes for parent and baby. Quality healthcare, support services and accessible resources promote healthier families and communities.
Data
New York State and national data paint a picture of maternal health disparities and areas for improvement.
Racial disparities in maternal deaths remain significant; Black women face much higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths compared to other racial groups.
From the most recently available New York State data, three out of four pregnancy-related deaths were considered preventable. At a national level, CDC data show that about one in five pregnancy-related deaths are due to mental health conditions.
New York State Maternal and Child Health Indicators Dashboard by County
Support During Pregnancy
- Call 211 from any phone for free, confidential referrals to basic needs like housing, food and nutrition, mental health supports, transportation, legal services and much more.
- A doula is a non-medical professional who provides continuous physical and emotional support to a patient before, during and after giving birth. Care provided by certified doulas is covered by Medicaid and may be covered by health insurance plans. Doula care can contribute to better health outcomes for pregnant people and infants, a higher likelihood of breastfeeding, and a less stressful birth experience. View the NYS Doula Directory to find doulas near you and Medicaid options to cover this service.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
- Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support for moms and their families before, during, and after pregnancy.
- NYS Paid Prenatal Leave provides privately employed pregnant individuals 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care and appointments.
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that helps families to live a healthier life. Call (716) 218-1484 for more information or to sign up, or email wicinfo@ccwny.org.
Local Prenatal and Childbirth Resources
Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network
- Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network empowers women, fathers and families to take charge of bettering their family health and well-being by providing education, support, advocacy, and connection to resources and services in WNY.
- Offers doula support, education classes, trainings, and breastfeeding support.
Catholic Health Prenatal and Pregnancy Resources and Catholic Health Childbirth Classes
- Resources in WNY covering doulas, support groups, parenting skills, postpartum resources, etc.
Kaleida Health Resources and Childbirth Classes
Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy is essential to protect the health of both the pregnant individual and the baby. Early detection and treatment of infections like syphilis can prevent serious complications, including congenital syphilis. Syphilis screening is recommended at the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at birth to ensure timely treatment and reduce risks. Congenital syphilis – when syphilis is transmitted to a fetus or baby at delivery – can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, and disability to the baby.
- Pregnant individuals should be tested for STIs during pregnancy so that they are not passed to the baby or cause birth defects.
- ECDOH Family Planning Center offers STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, options counseling and birth control.
- Congenital syphilis can cause birth defects to the baby. NYS recommends getting tested three times during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Vaccines
Vaccination before and during pregnancy protects against health risks for pregnant individuals and their babies. Vaccines such as Tdap, seasonal flu, RSV and COVID-19 are safe during pregnancy and extend protection to the newborn. Ensuring that vaccines like MMR are up to date before pregnancy can help prevent illnesses that could affect maternal and infant health.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Maternal Immunization
- CDC Information on Pregnancy and Vaccines
- ECDOH Family Planning Center offers vaccinations, birth control options and clinical care at 608 William Street in Buffalo.
- Health and Human Services Vaccines for Pregnant People
- Mayo Clinic: Are Vaccines During Pregnancy Safe?
- NYSDOH COVID-19 and Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding benefits both parent and child by reducing the risk of illnesses and chronic diseases. Erie County supports parents through partnerships and lactation-friendly worksite initiatives, with a goal of supporting parents in feeding their children human milk as long as they choose.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding
- ECDOH Breastfeeding Website: Find a Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Support Group Near You
- New York State Department of Labor Rights as an Employee
Gun Violence, Intimate Partner Violence & Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals face a higher risk of gun violence, often connected to intimate partner violence, which can lead to serious harm or death. Homicide is one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy, with firearms frequently involved. Firearms should always be stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition to help reduce these risks.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788
Family Justice Center of Buffalo
- Family Justice Center of Buffalo provides services and support to individuals in unhealthy relationships, and the education our community needs to break larger cycles of relationship abuse.
Erie County Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
- Gun violence is a public health issue.
- NYS Office of Victim Services provides critical services and support – treating crime victims and their families with the compassion and dignity they deserve.
Infant Development
Erie County Early Intervention
- The Early Intervention (EI) Program is a voluntary program for families with a child who has a disability or developmental delay and is under 3 years old. The EI Program monitors, evaluates, and provides many services for the child and the family. There is no cost to families for any of these services. Call (716) 858-6161 with questions.
- Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.