WELCOME
Vision: Women and infants throughout Southwest Michigan will have access to quality, coordinated health services regardless of their race or income.
Mission: Facilitate authentic collective impact and community focused strategy by connecting families and partners in Southwest Michigan to drive systems change in maternal and infant health.
If you missed the January 31st meeting and would like to view the panel, you can view the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6HdxSnfUYw

ABOUT US

Our Collaborative represents Region 8 of Michigan's 10 prosperity regions.
Region 8 Counties:
Berrien
Branch
Calhoun
Cass
Kalamazoo
St. Joseph
Van Buren
We operate with the support and guidance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and consultants from Michigan Public Health Institute.

The Safe to Sleep® campaign, formerly known as the Back to Sleep campaign, focuses on actions you and others can take to help your baby sleep safely and to reduce your baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death.
The term "SIDS" may sound scary, and the death of a baby is always heartbreaking. But there are a number of ways you can lower his or her risk while giving your baby the best care possible.
Learning about SIDS and safe sleep for babies is important for all caregivers, not just for parents. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, childcare providers, and anyone else who might care for babies should learn more. Simple actions can make a big difference.
SAFE INFANT SLEEP
"REDUCING YOUR RISK" ONLINE CLASSES
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the #1 complication of pregnancy
SWMPQIC has secured a grant through Blue Cross Blue Shield for Advancing Maternal Health Equity.
We are partnering with Postpartum Support International (PSI) and funding a full 2-day components of care training surrounding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders for up to 100 maternal and infant health professionals in our Region. This is a comprehensive, internationally recognized, and evidence-based training program. Questions? Contact ledlokr@bronsonhg.org

FREE Childbirth Education Classes
The virtual childbirth education course is a series of three, 1 hour and 30-minute informational sessions for expecting mothers and their family members. These sessions cover pregnancy, birth, Q&A with the instructor, and more!
Virtual Childbirth Education series will be held on
2023
Monday, February 13th, 20th and 27th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM with Sophie McNeil
Future dates TBD!! Please stay Tuned!
(Choose one series to attend)
As a thank you for participating in all 3 sessions in your series & completing a feedback survey you will be mailed a $75 VISA gift card!
Spots are limited so register today!
This course is available to pregnant mothers who live in Berrein, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties and is a best fit for women in their third trimester.
FREE Breastfeeding Education Classes
Come join Bianca Nash-Miot, certified lactation consultant and doula, to learn the essentials of breastfeeding.
This 2-hour class will cover:
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how breastfeeding works
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how to breastfeed
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when to feed your baby
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getting enough milk
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breast care, and the breastfeeding lifestyle.
2023
Thursday, February 9th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday, February 23rd 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday, March 9th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday, March 23rd 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
As a thank you for participating & completing a feedback survey you will be mailed a $25 VISA gift card!
Spots are limited so register today!
This course is available to pregnant mothers who live in Berrein, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties and is a best fit for pregnant women who intend to breastfeed, and women who are currently breastfeeding their newborn.


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STATE UPDATES & INFORMATION
The latest updates on Maternal and Infant health from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
THE ABEST PROJECT
(ABEST) Achieving Birth Equity through Systems Transformation
The goal of this work is to address the root causes of racial inequities in maternal and infant mortality by developing systems change strategies that shift relationships, power, mental models, and narratives that will drive sustained change.
MARIJUANA AND PREGNANCY
Learn more about the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy by viewing the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) FAQ on the topic. An infographic on marijuana and pregnancy is also available. You can find additional information regarding marijuana use during pregnancy on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Know the Risks of Marijuana site.
For more resources from the ACOG, visit www.acog.org and from SAMHSA at www.samhsa.gov.
BREASTFEEDING AND SAFE SLEEP BULLETIN BOARD KITS
Last summer, in recognition of National Breastfeeding Month in August and Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in September, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services distributed bulletin board kits to increase client education and awareness on safe sleep and the protective factor of breastfeeding. The bulletin board is titled Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep: Both Work Together to Keep Your Baby Safe and Healthy!
We may have an additional, limited supply of printed copies of the bulletin board kits available. If you would be interested in receiving a printed copy of the kit, please email the Infant Safe Sleep Program at MDHHS-InfantSafeSleep@michigan.gov. Electronic copies of the kits are also available online in English, Arabic and Spanish.
SAFE INFANT SLEEP
Follow these tips for safe sleep during every nap and night-time routine:
Place your baby on their back, in a crib, bassinet or pack-n-play for every sleep time.
Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
Keep baby’s sleep space clutter free – no pillows, blankets or toys.
Avoid covering baby’s head or overheating. Instead of a blanket, consider using a sleep sack, wearable blanket or footed sleeper to keep baby warm.
Remind everyone who cares for your baby, including babysitters and family members, how to keep baby safe while sleeping.
Our Doula Pilot Program
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SWMPQIC is offering a doula pilot program for five women this year. Please see the attached flyer for extra information and for anyone who is interested!
