Infant mortality rates up nationwide, down in Delaware

DELAWARE – The national rates of infant mortality are the highest they’ve ever been in two decades.

Fortunately enough, Delaware is seeing the opposite trend. “Our infant mortality rate has dropped by 43%. It hovers around 5.1 per 1000 live births and the U.S. National rate is 5.4,” said Leah Jones Woodall of the Delaware Division of Public Health.

Health officials say infant mortality affects more communities than others as health disparities grow. “Unfortunately, our Black infant mortality rate is about three times the rate of our white infant mortality rate, and that is also seen where the Hispanic infant mortality rate is about two times our White infant mortality rate,” Jones Woodall said.

Jones Woodall with the Delaware Division of Public Health says there are a few causes of infant mortality. “Managing healthy weight before you get pregnant, managing your chronic health conditions, and getting your mental health in order before getting pregnant, there’s many different factors,” Jones Woodall said.

Jones Woodall adds that there are a few things you can do to minimize this outcome. “Learning about what’s available in their community, supporting them emotionally, due care. We’ve been supporting the importance of having a dula if that is something that women are interested in,” Jones Woodall said.

Jones Woodall says there are other resources in place through Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS), including academic birthing hospitals and more health education advocates to improve women’s health between and before pregnancy.

DHSS will also have a town hall on Thursday surrounding maternal and child health care at Delaware Technical Community College. You can visit Delaware Thrives for more information about healthy maternal choices.