Type: Issue Brief

Health Insurance is Important for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a critical period when a mother’s health has a significant impact on her developing child. Timely prenatal health care can help identify, treat and manage health conditions that can lead to poor birth outcomes and improve maternal health. But the converse is also true: when women do not have access to the health care and prenatal services they need, they and their babies are at risk.

Health Insurance is Important for Women After Childbirth

A mother’s health care needs do not stop with childbirth. New mothers experience a range of health conditions—ranging from physical pain to exhaustion to anxiety and depression. In addition, women in the U.S. are more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications in the weeks and months after childbirth than during pregnancy and delivery. One key factor in helping women get the health care they need after childbirth is access to health insurance.

WIC Matters During the First 1,000 Days

The 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s 2nd birthday offers a unique window of opportunity to build healthier and more prosperous futures. This is when a child’s brain begins to grow and develop and the foundations for their lifelong health are built. Good nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of women and children during the first 1,000 days and beyond.

Evidence-based, proven programs that reach low-income families with healthy foods and nutrition education are a critical investment in the health and well-being of moms and babies. One such program is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Toddler – Food and Feeding

Based upon evidence​, a number of desired eating behaviors were identified as critical to helping families foster healthy active living for their toddler. For each desired behavior explore the evidence, learn what parents said about these behaviors, identify opportunities to promote healthy behaviors at the point of care, review how to start conversations and access messages and resources to support families.

Global Breastfeeding Collective: Breastfeeding Advocacy Toolkit – Strengthening Links Between Health Facilities and Communities

Led by UNICEF and WHO, the Global Breastfeeding Collective (the Collective) is a partnership of more than 20 international organizations with the goal of increasing investment and policy change to support breastfeeding worldwide, which requires advocacy at the global, national, and sub-national levels. Developed by the Collective, this document is one of seven briefs that provide guidance and resources to stakeholders on how to advocate for adoption of these policy actions with government ministries, health care workers and managers, employers, donors, and other key decision-makers.

Global Breastfeeding Collective: Breastfeeding Advocacy Toolkit – Improving Access to Skilled Breastfeeding Counselling

Led by UNICEF and WHO, the Global Breastfeeding Collective (the Collective) is a partnership of more than 20 international organizations with the goal of increasing investment and policy change to support breastfeeding worldwide, which requires advocacy at the global, national, and sub-national levels. Developed by the Collective, this document is one of seven briefs that provide guidance and resources to stakeholders on how to advocate for adoption of these policy actions with government ministries, health care workers and managers, employers, donors, and other key decision-makers.

Global Breastfeeding Collective: Breastfeeding Advocacy Toolkit – Implementing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

Led by UNICEF and WHO, the Global Breastfeeding Collective (the Collective) is a partnership of more than 20 international organizations with the goal of increasing investment and policy change to support breastfeeding worldwide, which requires advocacy at the global, national, and sub-national levels. Developed by the Collective, this document is one of seven briefs that provide guidance and resources to stakeholders on how to advocate for adoption of these policy actions with government ministries, health care workers and managers, employers, donors, and other key decision-makers.

Global Breastfeeding Collective: Breastfeeding Advocacy Toolkit – Enacting Paid Family Leave and Workplace Breastfeeding Policies

Led by UNICEF and WHO, the Global Breastfeeding Collective (the Collective) is a partnership of more than 20 international organizations with the goal of increasing investment and policy change to support breastfeeding worldwide, which requires advocacy at the global, national, and sub-national levels. Developed by the Collective, this document is one of seven briefs that provide guidance and resources to stakeholders on how to advocate for adoption of these policy actions with government ministries, health care workers and managers, employers, donors, and other key decision-makers.