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We’ve collected some of our best stories and resources from 2018 to celebrate the end of an amazing year. Thank you for working with us to improve children's health.  
Young breastfeeding motherBedsharing, Breastfeeding and Babies Dying. A Conversation Worth Having
Bedsharing can lead to longer breastfeeding duration. It also leads to more infant deaths. These opposing facts represent a major dilemma for those working to improve infant health. What does it mean when strategies that can put babies in danger also support behaviors that improve outcomes? In this article, Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH, FAAP, a pediatrician and safe sleep and breastfeeding expert, provides some answers.
David and his motherTaking a Two-Generation Approach to Children’s Health
Even before birth, children rely on their parents to learn about and cultivate the habits and skills that will support their future health and well-being. Because of this, when a parent or caregiver struggles, children’s health may suffer. In this interview with NICHQ CEO Scott D. Berns, MD, MPH, FAAP, we discuss why a two-generation approach is essential for children’s health, and how we can use it to drive systems-level change.

Father and sonLaunch an Early Childhood
Parent Academy
Interested in developing free, accessible lessons that empower parents around early childhood development? An early childhood parent academy—a structured set of courses covering key topic areas that parents need to know about early childhood development—does just that. Click in for a curriculum and strategies on how to launch one in your state. 

Healthy running familyOur Systems Meant to Help Are Hurting Black Families 
When does mandated reporting hurt rather than improve children’s health outcomes? Erin Cloud, who’s spent the past seven years advocating for parents in the child welfare system, shares a thought-provoking story about what happens when biased reporting causes unintentional harm. Here, we shine a spotlight on this troubling example of when systems meant to support children’s health end up failing black mothers and children.

Healthy running familyCreating a Safe Sleep City
Citywide campaigns can be catalysts for improving safe sleep practices and infant health outcomes. In this article, find out what strategies Mississippi is leveraging to mobilize efforts across Jackson. From doctors to store owners to restaurateurs, the whole city is coming together to keep Jackson’s babies safe.

 

 


Resources to Support Your Work


Videos to Inspire

  • How to Move a SystemEarly childhood state and community stakeholders discuss the passion, policies and partnerships it takes to build a comprehensive early childhood system. 
  • Improving Children's Health with Systems That Support Families: NICHQ leadership shares why they're committed to improving systems that support parents and caregivers as advocates for and protectors of their children’s health.