Supporting Moms and Babies

Identified as a focus area in the Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), birth outcomes are important indicators of a population’s overall health. The leading causes of infant mortality in the United States include birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, sudden unexpected infant death, and maternal pregnancy complications. As many as 50,000 women in the United States experience severe, unexpected health problems related to pregnancy that may have long-term health consequences.

LiveWell Douglas County is supporting the health of moms and babies in several different ways, such as serving as a lead organization on the Douglas County CHIP Birth Outcomes Team. We are working in collaboration with community partners to advance a future where every parent and infant thrives by championing supportive policies, strengthening the use of actionable data, and building coordinated, patient-centered systems of care that honor and serve all families with dignity and respect. The next Birth Outcomes Community Work Session is on Thursday, September 17 from 6:00-7:30 at the Flory Building at Douglas County Fairgrounds.

LiveWell also serves in a leadership role on the Douglas County Breastfeeding Coalition. Revitalized in 2025, the breastfeeding coalition is focused on implementing policies and building spaces that support breastfeeding families. In partnership with the Lawrence Public Library, the Douglas County Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting Every Drop Counts on September 26 from 10:30 to Noon to celebrate breastfeeding and build community connections. This family-focused event will feature a community resource fair, an interactive baby sing-and-sign story time, and a relaxed space for parents and caregivers to connect. Soon-to-be and seasoned parents are invited to learn about local resources for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting.

LiveWell is excited to announce a new partnership with LMH Health to provide wearable blankets to families that deliver at the hospital’s Family Birthing Center starting in 2027. A recommended prevention strategy by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce the risk of sleep-related Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is to use wearable blankets, or sleep sacks, instead of blankets or quilts. LiveWell received a 2026 DCCF Health & Wellness Grant to support safe sleep sacks for babies in Douglas County.