In recent years, Ohio has ranked as one of the worst states in the country when it comes to infant mortality (the death of a baby before his/her first birthday).
The Moms2B program was developed in 2010 to focus on central Ohio zip codes with the highest infant mortality rates, and provide the women in those neighborhoods with tools, support, and education to help them deliver full-term, healthy babies—and keep those babies healthy and safe during their first year of life.
Its first location, in Weinland Park, has seen positive results. A research paper authored in part by Patricia Temple Gabbe, M.D., one of the founders of Moms2B, reported in the first years of the program, there were 339 live births and one infant death. That’s nearly a five-fold reduction in the rate as compared to 2007–2010.
“When we opened our doors at Grace Missionary Baptist Church in 2010, we wanted every pregnant woman living in Weinland Park to come to Moms2B. We wanted to learn!” Dr. Gabbe said.
“We believe we have shown Weinland Park families that they can be proud of how they raise their children and how they can achieve success in their own lives.”
—dr. patricia gabbe
Moms2B holds weekly sessions that focus on nutrition, pregnancy, parenting, and overall health for babies and moms. With additional locations on the east, south, and west sides, as well as one in Linden, this effective program is poised to play a significant part in reaching more women and continuing to positively impact the infant mortality issue in Columbus.
Pictured: Dr. Patricia Temple Gabbe at Weinland Park Moms2B.
“In our Moms2B groups, we teach how to have healthier pregnancies, how to eat healthier meals, how to breastfeed, and how to help other women living in the neighborhood,” Dr. Gabbe said. “We connect women with job training and teach how to ask questions and trust nurses, doctors, and child care workers.”