National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition

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The National Coalition

Since its creation in 1981, the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) has united a broad spectrum of maternal and child health professions in the public and private sectors — provider associations, national and community-based organizations, policymakers, educators, advocates, and parents.  The mission of the Coalition is to promote and improve culturally and linguistically appropriate, community-based services that foster healthy mothers, healthy babies, and healthy families.  Over the years, HMHB has conducted a series of campaigns that have successfully focused the public's attention on basic components of prenatal care, such as the importance of folic acid intake, early medical supervision, good prenatal nutrition, the avoidance of drugs (including alcohol and tobacco use), and the benefits of breastfeeding. 

HMHB staff provide technical assistance to organizations and maternal and child health professionals on developing coalitions, creating public health information campaigns, and strengthening community linkages.  

State and Regional Coalitions

State and Local Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalitions work in their communities to promote maternal and infant health. They conduct educational initiatives, support policy and legislation, provide direct services and network to achieve their maternal and child health goals. They link health care providers, educators, policymakers, community leaders, parents and teens through a variety of activities designed to enhance the health and well being of families.  For a complete listing of state and local Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalitions, visit http://www.hmhb.org/state.html.

Workplace Models of Excellence 2000

In 1999, the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition established a new recognition program to distinguish family-friendly employers who are making a significant impact on the maternal and child health of their employees.  While the Workplace Models of Excellence awards reflect a variety of areas of interest in maternal and child health, in 2000, the focus was on breastfeeding promotion.  The following companies were recognized for their outstanding achievements in offering their employees exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support services:

• Aetna, Inc.
• CIGNA Corporation
• Eastman Kodak
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
• Lincoln Financial Group
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
• Patagonia
• PricewaterhouseCoopers

Publications produced by HMHB

Publications are available on a variety of topics, including immunization, working and breastfeeding, adolescent health, outreach to targeted populations, and developing low-literacy health education materials. HMHB distributes four publications that address the multiple health and nutritional benefits of breastfeeding:

• What Gives These Companies a Competitive Edge – Worksite Support for Breastfeeding Employees, 
• Establishing a Lactation Room at the Work site,
• Two versions of Working and Breastfeeding — Can You Do It? Yes, You Can! [available in English and in Spanish]

Contact information:

Address:
National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
121 North Washington Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Telephone: (703) 836-6110
E-mail: info@hmhb.org
Web site: http://www.hmhb.org

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This page last updated March 28, 2003