As parental health professionals, data enthusiasts, and advocates for health equity, we understand the power of accessible, well-organized data to drive informed decisions. North Carolina’s new Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard is a game-changer in this space, offering critical insights into maternal and infant health trends across the state.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, policymaker, or a parent looking to understand the bigger picture, this dashboard provides a treasure trove of information designed to inform and inspire action. One of our goals at the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition and DCoDPH’s Human Milk Feeding Strategic Plan, is to establish a shared breastfeeding data system. The launch of this Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard represents a significant step forward in that direction. NC DHHS is releasing critical data faster, and this level of transparency then allows us, as healthcare providers and community advocates, to identify challenges to respond with targeted solutions. This is a big deal. Having access to timely, detailed insights empowers us to push for policies and initiatives that address disparities, support breastfeeding families, and ultimately improve health outcomes across North Carolina. Let’s useMaternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard to drive meaningful change.
What Is the Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard?
The dashboard was developed to offer a comprehensive look at key health indicators, with a focus on uncovering racial and ethnic inequities, regional disparities, and trends over time. By leveraging this tool, users can better understand the factors shaping maternal and infant health outcomes in North Carolina.
It covers a wide range of indicators grouped into three categories:
1. Birth Characteristics and Risk Factors
- Low birthweight
- Preterm births
- Smoking before and during pregnancy
- Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity
- Gestational diabetes
- Maternal hypertension
- Cesarean section deliveries
- Breastfeeding at discharge
2. Fertility, Teen Births, and Infant Death Rates
- Fertility rates
- Teen birth rates (ages 15-17 and 15-19)
- Infant death rates
3. Additional Indicators
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome
- Severe maternal morbidity
These indicators have been carefully selected and disaggregated by race/ethnicity, maternal age, education level, and geography, enabling stakeholders to pinpoint specific areas of concern and potential intervention.
Why It Matters
For Advocates and Health Professionals: The dashboard highlights the stark inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes, serving as a rallying point for initiatives focused on improving equity.
For Policymakers: The geographic and demographic breakdowns can guide resource allocation and policy development, ensuring that interventions target the communities most in need.
For Parents: Understanding broader health trends helps families navigate the healthcare system and advocate for improved care in their regions.
A Tool for Data Nerds
Let’s be honest—this dashboard is a dream come true for data nerds in the maternal and child health sector. It not only aggregates data but also allows users to explore patterns and trends over time, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in maternal and infant health.
If you’re someone who enjoys diving into the numbers and uncovering the stories they tell, this dashboard is for you. The data appendix offers additional details about sources, definitions, and limitations, making it an excellent resource for academic work or in-depth analyses.
Driving Equity Through Insight
At its core, the Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard is about more than just numbers—it’s about equity. By shedding light on disparities and trends, it equips us to advocate for systemic changes that improve outcomes for all birthing people and their families.
As we navigate the challenges of maternal and infant health, tools like this dashboard remind us that progress is possible when we align data with action.
Explore the Dashboard
Ready to dive in? You can access the Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard here. Let’s use this tool to amplify our impact, advocate for equity, and improve outcomes for families across North Carolina.