California Programs

• We’re working to improve the health of babies in California.
• Our programs educate health professionals and support moms-to-be.
• We offer comfort to families with a newborn in intensive care.

Our education programs reach both health professionals and consumers.

Professional Education

The California Chapter holds education events for health professionals throughout the year. Our annual Conference for Health Professionals, held every year in Orange County, has presentations on cutting-edge topics in maternal and child health and is attended by over 300 nurses, physicians and others who care for pregnant women and their infants. The Chapter also holds trainings and grand rounds throughout the year. Visit our events page for details on current trainings, or email us for more information on events in your area.

Health Disparities

The California Chapter strives to improve birth outcomes in high-risk and disadvantaged communities through community grants, evidence-based programs and partnerships.Our Healthy Babies, Healthy Futures program trains peer educators to raise awareness within their churches and communities about health disparities within African-American populations, prematurity prevention and preconception health. Email us for more information on this program and our other initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities.

Preconception and Interconception Health

Preconception and interconception health promotion aims to ensure the health and well-being women before, during and after pregnancy. The California Chapter recently partnered with the California Department of Public Health and the Preconception Health Council of California, to launch two preconception education websites: Every Woman California and Cada Mujer, Cada Día (Spanish version). These websites are designed for both consumers and providers. Site features include discussion forums, a partner resource section and 20 easy-to-read fact sheets on preconception health topics.

In collaboration with the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District IX, the March of Dimes California Chapter has issued new clinical guidelines and patient handouts for the postpartum visit. The guidelines focus on “retooling” the postpartum visit, as this visit is often the only opportunity for health providers to address a woman's health before another pregnancy occurs.