“As health professionals, we are committed to finding ways to improve the health of babies in Alabama,” said Dr. Russell Kirby, professor at the UAB School of Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health. “This conference will give us the opportunity to share the latest information and best practices in the field of perinatal medicine.”

Featured topics include “Pregnancy Following Gastric Bypass,” presented by Dr. Patrick Ramsey, and focusing on the risk this popular surgery poses to women of child bearing age. With crystal meth gaining popularity among women of child-bearing age in Alabama, Dr. Mary Holley, addresses “Crystal Meth: Neonatal & Pediatric Effects” in a separate session. Other topics include “Domestic Violence in Pregnancy and Beyond,” “Shaken Baby Syndrome,” Smoking Cessation,” “Postpartum Depression in Parents of NICU Infants,” and Transcultural Aspects of Hispanic Perinatal Care.” (A complete listing of sessions and times follows.)

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. Currently, the March of Dimes has more than $927,000 invested in Alabama community programs and research projects. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org <http://www.nacersano.org> or its English website at www.marchofdimes.com <http://www.marchofdimes.com>.

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