MANHATTAN – A Kansas State University extension agent is hailing the success of a pair of programs that have helped to address a high rate of preterm births in the state.
Monique Koerner, a family community wellness agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Cottonwood District, called the state’s preterm birth rate “concerning.”
“The chronic conditions that many in our state face is concerning,” she said. “But there are a lot of ways that we can help improve the health of our maternal child health population.”
In its 2024 Report Card highlighting the collective factors that contribute to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in the United States, the March of Dimes called the nation’s preterm birth rate “alarmingly high.”
The report notes that in 2023, more than 370,000 babies were born preterm, about 10.4% of all births. Kansas was one of 15 states that earned a ‘D’ on the report card, with 10.5% of all births considered preterm.
The March of Dimes’ report notes that chronic health conditions caused by smoking, hypertension, unhealthy weight and diabetes contribute to high rates of preterm births in Kansas.
Koerner has recently introduced a prenatal education program called Becoming a Mom to help expectant mothers with support and guidance. The free classes are available in several of the state’s counties currently, and are supported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Perinatal Community Collaboratives, and the March of Dimes.
The six-week, prenatal education class – one session per week – is available to expectant mothers and their “support people,” according to Koerner.
“We’ve had several dads come to our classes, as well,” she said. “Really, anybody that is there to support the mom is welcome, because we want them to get the education, too.”
The classes cover such topics as an overview of pregnancy, health, nutrition, exercise, stress, labor and delivery, infant feeding, infant care (including safe sleep and car seats), family planning, mental health and more.
“We also invite people from the local community to come in and talk with the participants,” Koerner said. “One of my goals for this class was to break down the barriers that might exist in the community. If people have names and faces and have met people, it will be easier to reach out to those resources when they need them.”
Koerner also helped to establish an event called a Community Baby Shower in Ellis County in April, which drew 42 participants.
“We’re going to have to have a bigger venue next year because I think this is just going to grow,” she said.
The event provided education for infant care, and those who completed Safe Sleep instruction received a free portable crib, and other giveaways. Koerner said extension agents in other parts of the state are also hosting events similar to the Community Baby Shower.
More information on these or similar programs to help expectant and young mothers is available at local extension offices in Kansas.
