- At the Growing Mother and Child Health event, women shared their experiences during pregnancy while showing support for others.
- Blood pressure cuffs were available at the event to help women better monitor their blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Watch the video above to hear from mothers and learn more about the challenges some mothers are experiencing.
Broadcast transcript
“I think it’s because of my kids that I’m doing this… They’re the reason I’m here and they’re the reason I’m trying to help other moms. is…”
Keshia Jenkins is a mother of four who lives in Tallahassee.
On Saturday, Jenkins, expectant mothers, birth survivors and community members gathered for a Growing While Growing Mother Health awareness event in the northwest Tallahassee area.
“I feel like there’s a lack of resources in Tallahassee, and that’s why I come to the Maternal Health Fair, because there are so many resources that have come out over the last few years…”
A much needed resource.
Leon County had at least 72 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, according to 2022 Florida Health Charts data. It means that the woman died during pregnancy or within 42 days after the end of pregnancy.
This is higher than the state average of 15 points2.
Numbers like these are part of why Jenkins says it's important to show support for new mothers.
“Empowering them… Empowering them is what I want to do…”
For others, the day was also an opportunity to learn about the use of doulas and midwives. It is also accompanied by health factors that often lead to death.
“Spreading education is so important…allowing the community to attend free events and receive free items to help raise awareness of issues…”
Chris Szorcsik is Executive Director of Capital Area Healthy Start. Although some women face challenges during pregnancy, she says there are ways to alleviate some of the potential problems.
“The key to a successful pregnancy is to be healthy before you get pregnant. For our mothers, it's very important to get the support you need before and during the first trimester…”
Showing support…and sharing experiences…what Jenkins says is a great first step to facing the challenges of motherhood…
“I really enjoy talking to other moms, especially moms I don’t know…”
