--- title: Healthy Mom, Happy Baby description: In 2018, the US reached a new low in infant mortality of 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. image: https://blog.usfhp.net/hubfs/pexels-william-fortunato-6393141.jpg --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Healthy Mom, Happy Baby Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Sep 1, 2021 12:15:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![pexels-william-fortunato-6393141](https://blog.usfhp.net/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-william-fortunato-6393141.jpg?width=6000&name=pexels-william-fortunato-6393141.jpg) In 2018, the US reached a [new low](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2021/08/01/us-maternal-and-infant-mortality-more-signs-of-public-health-neglect/?sh=611990913a50) in infant mortality of 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. But, compared to countries like the UK and France, the US is much higher. And, the U.S. has nearly the highest [maternal mortality rate](https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2020/nov/maternal-mortality-maternity-care-us-compared-10-countries#:~:text=Women%20in%20the%20U.S.%20are,inc) among high-income countries.  Good news is there are plenty of activities to help keep mom and baby safe!  Talk to professionals every step of the way—especially from early signs of pregnancy to the first 30 months of life. Voice your questions, family history, and concerns to your OBGYN. Proper planning and early detection can make all the difference.  **Nutrients ** Start taking prenatal vitamins and eat a healthy balanced diet. Pregnant women should pay attention to their additional requirements for calcium, folic acid and iron. It is also important to be aware of food borne illnesses that pose risks to developing babies.  **Vaccines** Get the vaccines recommended during pregnancy. Yes, there are immunizations that you should get during pregnancy protecting you and baby. Consider the flu and tdap shot which can prevent influenza and whooping cough.   **SIDS** Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. Babies up to one year old should be placed on their back to sleep. Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation out of the crib. **Breastfeeding** Try to breastfeed for at least 12 months. In addition to providing a boost to their immune system, breastfeeding is also linked to the reduced risk of SIDS. Adding skin-to-skin contact during feedings can stabilize the baby’s heartbeat and breathing.  **USFHP** We’ve got you covered! USFHP’s TRICARE Prime plan offers benefits supporting well-child visits for the first 30 months and pre/post natal care for mom. We’ve also developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals.  Visit [usfhp.net](https://www.usfhp.net/) or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment. [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)