MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Starting a family is exciting, but it can also be scary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Alabama, has the worst infant and maternal mortality rate in the country.
It’s a serious issue Cecilia Pearson has tried to solve. Two decades ago, she created Babypalooza, an opportunity to connect pregnant women across the country with as many resources as possible.
“When you’re a first time mom, you don’t know what you don’t know,” said Pearson. “And so a lot of times there’s joy, but there’s also anxiety, you know, you’re wondering what pregnancy is going to be like. You’re wondering, can I take care of the baby?
Seeing a need in Mobile, Pearson’s journey eventually led her to the Port City.
“In Alabama we actually are one of the highest states for infant and maternal mortality,” Pearson explains. “And we have found that education is one of the factors that can combat that…”
Pearson hosted a Black Maternal Health expo Saturday in the Port City, drawing a crowd of 600 people.
Representative from USA Health, Infirmary Health, WIC Mobile, The Alabama Department of Public Health, LifeSouth were among the many there. Various topics including car seat safety, college savings, storing umbilical cords, and chiropractic care were discussed.
“I actually spoke with someone from Infirmary Health about the pelvic floor muscles and all that kinds of therapy,” said one of the attendees, Tia Harris. She’s expecting her second child and was all smiles as she shared her excitement.
“…the second trimester — I’m in it, I’m thriving, I’m glowing, I’m happy,” said Harris. “I got all this energy so it’s been amazing so far.”
Emily Pose, 11 weeks along with her first child, was emotional but excited.
“I’ve actually been through a lot through this pregnancy to get here,” said Pose. “So um to be 11 weeks and striving at 11 weeks is actually really, really cool.”
As she wiped away tears of joy, she talked a little bit more about some of the things she gained from the expo.
“…I got a crash course on baby wearing,” said Pose. “So they were able to teach me how to wrap and everything which is exactly what I wanted to be doing.”
For those who missed the event, you can download the Babypalooza app for resources, or visit this link for details about future expos.
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