Page values for "A Call for Action in Maternal and Child Health"

Maternal and child health in Tulsa, Oklahoma faces several challenges. Access to prenatal care is limited for some individuals, due to factors such as healthcare provider shortages, transportation barriers, financial constraints, and a lack of awareness about available services. Additionally, health disparities contribute to unequal outcomes, with socioeconomic factors and racial or ethnic disparities playing a significant role. Teenage pregnancies pose unique difficulties, as young mothers may struggle to access appropriate prenatal care and are at higher risk of complications during pregnancy. Infant mortality rates remain a concern, influenced by factors like preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and socioeconomic disparities. Substance abuse and addiction, including opioid misuse, further impact maternal and child health, leading to adverse birth outcomes and long-term developmental issues. Access to mental health support, particularly for conditions like postpartum depression, is vital but often limited. Breastfeeding support is another area that needs attention, with barriers such as lack of knowledge, cultural beliefs, and workplace challenges hindering breastfeeding initiation and continuation.