by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
“When you’re dedicated to making a change, and you believe deeply
in what it is that you care about, you will make it happen.”
– Christy Turlington Burns, Founder, Every Mother Counts
Did you know that 287,000 women die annually of complications from childbirth and pregnancy? This sad statistic means that every 2 minutes, a woman dies in pregnancy. What’s even worse is that 90% of these deaths are preventable.
A few years back we learned about a charity making a real difference in maternal health: Every Mother Counts. We decided we wanted to do our part and support the cause. Since then, every other Monday is “Maternal Health Monday” at The Pajama Company and we give 10% of our sales to Every Mother Counts.
Today is Maternal Health Monday which means that when you shop today, you make a difference.
What Every Mother Counts Does
Every Mother Counts works to break down the barriers to maternal health both in the US and around the world. They do it by providing:
Transportation so that women can get to healthcare centers which are often miles away from where they live.
Education to skilled birth attendants as well as providing instruction to mothers on family planning, HIV, and other STIs.
Supplies including equipment and medicine so that health centers and caregivers can do their jobs.
100% of the donations received by Every Mother Counts go directly to their programs around the world to ensure that mothers get the care they need.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Beside shopping on Maternal Health Monday, here are some other things you can do to make a difference in pregnancy and childbirth safety:
– Donate your old cell phones to be re-used for health care workers.
– Shop with our fellow partner companies who also donate proceeds to the cause.
– Tell your own birth story – use your voice to raise awareness.
– Volunteer at an organization that supports maternal heath.
– Run, walk, or cycle to raise funds and awareness, not to mention improving your own health!
Learn more about Every Mother Counts and their cause here.
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