[View the story "Celebrate Healthy Moms and Safe Births" on Storify ]Celebrate Healthy Moms and Safe Births According to the World Health Organization, 800 women and 8,000 newborns die each day because they lack access to basic healthcare services, like a trained birth attendant and a clean facility. Storified by #HERchat · Fri, Mar 06 2015 16:59:35
But, there's so much more we can do to make sure every mom and baby is healthy and safe through birth.
Maria is excited to welcome her baby. He...empowher
When is the right time to have a baby?
@EmpowHER A1: timing is very important because the mind and body need to be in the right place to have a healthy pregnancy. #HERchatCV
A1. We heard once it's never and always the perfect time to have a baby - some things you just can't plan perfectly #herchatMommi
A1: those are the lucky ones; these days infertility seems more and more common in western society. #HERchatKay Bohnen
How can expectant moms prepare for birth and stay healthy?
A2 - Making healthy food choices and avoiding drugs, alcohol & tobacco during pregnancy can help ensure a healthy baby #HERchatInfluenceCentral.ca
A2: By getting the proper family planning they need for their reproductive health! http://t.co/HPg3n3pk7E #HERchatWomen Deliver
A2 taking prenatal vitamins is a healthy choice #HERchatKristin A. Meekhof
A2. Like our mamas, you should get nutritional education and routine check-ups. #HERchatkangu.org
@EmpowHER A2: Eat healthy and drink lots of water - best for everything really! #HERchatKay Bohnen
A2. Best sleeping positions for safety and comfort? We have you covered: http://t.co/fqNfedVA5P #HERchatEmpowHER
A2. Griselda has received lifesaving care for her complications, ensuring she has a safe birth. http://t.co/bRFl3G3WFq #HERchat @Mexfamkangu.org
What are some common milestones moms should expect during pregnancy and the first year of a baby's life?
#EveryNewborn counts and every birth needs to be recognized w/ a birth certificate #HERchat @EmpowHER @UnfEWECEvery Newborn
A3. A growing baby bump is always fun to capture. Take photos along your journey, like our mamas do! http://t.co/EaxcpSY1fa #herchatkangu.org
A3. It’s also important babies get checkups and immunizations after birth. #HERchat http://t.co/Dzf4AnAacmkangu.org
@EmpowHER A3: lack of sleep, huge changes in your body and hormonal shifts, but if you sense something "wrong", Trust, ASK! #HERchatKay Bohnen
A3 - During pregnancy, milestone is feeling Baby move. In 1st year of Baby's life, milestone might be first teeth, sitting up. #HERchatInfluenceCentral.ca
A3) Common milestones might be bringing home those sonogram photos from each appointment! #herchatEmpowHER
A3 birth weight & the baby gaining subsequent pounds are often healthy mile markers #HERchatKristin A. Meekhof
What are the most popular names for babies around the world?
A4. I've heard Emma is popular in the U.S. too. Would be curious to learn about others from around the world #HERchatErin Kennedy
A4. One of our favorite names that a #KanguMama chose is "Chetman Budha" from #India: http://t.co/ZAUJ4kM2HJ #HERchat @possiblehealthkangu.org
A4. Another favorite name that that a #KanguMama chose is "Kazuo" from #Bolivia: http://t.co/he9s1L8Jf7 #HERchat @CIESBoliviakangu.org
A4. We love the name Ediangu Ambross that a @KanguOrg #KanguMama chose. Thoughts? #herchatEmpowHER
A5) I named my daughter after one of the most popular songs in 1986 called Amanda #herchatMichelle King Robson
A4. One #KanguMama from #Uganda chose “Aaron” for her son’s name http://t.co/7jGfAgWCNh #HERchat @MidwifeAssistkangu.org
Top 10 baby names from around the world...Sophia, Isabella, Aisha, Alina, Noah, Lucas, Daniel, Ethan #herchatMichelle King Robson
A4 - Popular #babynames in Canada include Liam/William, Olivia, Mia, Ethan, Sophia. Right, @todaysparent? http://t.co/Fcu7Zixoyc #HERchatInfluenceCentral.ca
What do, or did, you crave when you were pregnant?
@EmpowHER Anything salty and comforting! Like mashed potatoes:) #herchatErin Schurtz
@KristinMeekhof @EmpowHER But "eating for two" is a bad misnomer; kid isn't a linebacker; moderation feels better and easier off! #HERchatKay Bohnen
@EmpowHER Q5. Protein!! #herchatMommi
A5) Cravings are so individualized and so is pregnancy. #herchatMichelle King Robson
Carbs are popular! RT @KanguOrg A5. Gorretti, another #KanguMama in Uganda, beans and posho (maize bread): http://t.co/TU6fuYrv37 #herchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER A5: McDonald's cheeseburgers were my downfall! #herchatKay Bohnen
A5. Gorretti, another #KanguMama in Uganda, beans and posho (maize bread): http://t.co/GnvtEGuCxd #HERchatkangu.org
What are some of the most common illnesses and complications babies and moms can experience after birth?
@EmpowHER A6. I had carpal tunnel after birth - I didn't expect that #herchatErin Schurtz
A6: Having baby is amazing; special moments awesome; rest I could've skipped & we're genetically programmed to forget labor pain. #herchatKay Bohnen
Be sure to follow @KanguOrg to stay updated on all the great things they are doing for moms and babies! #HERchatInfluenceCentral.ca
A6. Haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally, but this can be prevented and treated with proper care. #HERchatkangu.org
Every mother and child deserves to have the best healthcare during and after pregnancy no matter where they are. #herchatMichelle King Robson
@EmpowHER A6. Mastitis is common and may make #breastfeeding difficult. #HERchatCyndi Gilbert, ND
A6. Did you know? NO #KanguMama has died. Quality care is key to avert maternal complications! #HERchat http://t.co/0hBo2FCXshkangu.org
Are you planning to work when you have kids or are you taking on the task of caring for your little ones 24/7?
A7. Sandra, a #KanguMama from #Guatemala, plans to become an engineer after giving birth. http://t.co/P8eHM1P21J #HERchat @Aprofamkangu.org
A7. Elisa plans to enroll in college after giving birth. http://t.co/oRDuHXozYf #HERchat #Guatemala @Aprofam @RH_Supplieskangu.org
A7. Kids are definitely a 24/7 job. Moms who work from home or are "#housewives" also have a lot on their plate. Agree? #herchatEmpowHER
A7. Harriet, a #KanguMama from #Uganda, has a small tailoring business. http://t.co/2UIMOFgrPl #HERchat @MidwifeAssistkangu.org
@EmpowHER A7: working moms, too, with the added guilt of not being there. #HERchatKay Bohnen
A7. Become a chef like Karla! http://t.co/94lDv9EnfO #HERchat @Aprofam #herchatkangu.org
A7 we all need to lean in & support -all moms are working mothers #HERchatKristin A. Meekhof
What are some of the best gifts and latest accessories for babies that we can give at baby showers?
A8. You can also donate $10+ to a featured mama as part of a team & fund a mama with your friends! #HERchat http://t.co/06sJVzR1r7kangu.org
Be mindful & advocate for you as a mom and for your health. Your child will learn from you. #herchatMichelle King Robson
A8. Do you enjoy a #gift that gives back? That's why we love @KanguOrg! It's a present that does so much more. #herchatEmpowHER
@EmpowHER @KanguOrg Really enjoyed the conversation and certainly will spread the word...LOVE all they do for mamas everywhere #herchatKelly Morrissey
What advice do you have for moms-to-be? Share your knowledge and read about how Kangu is crowdfunding for healthy and safe pregancies and births around the world.
Crowdfunding Safe Pregnancies and Births Around the World: ...For Casey Santiago, her first pregnancy was a time filled with joy and excitement. Like so many of us, Casey remembers the feeling of amazement of hearing her son's heartbeat and feeling him move in her belly. She was also scared and felt vulnerable in a way that she had never been before.
