Every year, more than half a million babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick.  Babies who survive often face serious health challenges and can suffer from lasting disabilities.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, Nov. 17 is Prematurity Awareness Day, and MUSC is partnering with the March of Dimes to protect our smallest patients and reduce the rate of premature birth. 

There are several contributing factors to premature birth, such as women of childbearing age who are uninsured and those who smoke.  Recommendations for improvement are given in each of these areas, for example, federal and state support of smoking cessation as part of maternity care.  Another key recommendation is for hospitals and health care professionals to voluntarily assess Caesarean sections and inductions that occur prior to 39 weeks to ensure consistency with professional guidelines.  Babies born even a few weeks early are at greater risk of serious problems and re-hospitalization. 

“The medical treatment of preterm labor has largely not been very successful, particularly as the cervix becomes more dilated,” said Jill Mauldin, M.D., Perinatal service line medical director. “As a result, a patient’s best weapon to preventing preterm birth is knowledge of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor so that she can adjust her activity level accordingly and contact her provider when she has those symptoms.”

To educate more women in the community on those signs and symptoms, Mauldin gives a weekly update on what to expect in pregnancy in her Pregnancy Week by Week podcast series; http://www.muschealth.com/women/pregnancy_weekly.htm.  Women and Infant Services and the MUSChealth Website recently took silver for the Best in Class Innovators Award category at the Greystone Client Conference for these weekly pregnancy podcasts.

In addition to educational efforts, MUSC bolsters March of Dimes’ mission through fundraising. The MUSC March of Dimes team, March for Babies, hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, such as Blue Jeans for Babies and various bake sales. This year’s Chef Auction held Oct. 29 raised more than $83,000 for March of Dimes.

For more information about premature birth, to find out what you can do to help raise awareness, make a donation, or create a virtual band to honor a baby visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies.

by:  Megan Fink, M.M.C.
MUSC Media Relations

Charleston’s Embassy Suites Convention Center became Foodie Heaven for a few hours last week.  Eleven premiere local chefs served up their signature dishes for more than 360 guests who attended the annual Chef’s Auction on October 29th.  The tasting was followed by a silent and upbeat live auction of scores of unique items donated by local supporters.  The chefs, in addition to providing the many first class dishes, also generously donated imaginative dining packages to the auction.  There was spirited but friendly bidding for all of the desirable items.  MUSC Women’s Services was proud to be a top sponsor and early reports indicate that this year’s event raised more than $83,000 for the Charleston chapter.  Thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful cause and made the evening so successful.   

On the heels of the auction is Prematurity Awareness Month.  November 2009 marks the sixth Prematurity Awareness Month, and November 17th the sixth Prematurity Awareness Day.  The alarming increase in premature births over the past decade prompted the March of Dimes to launch a campaign to raise public awareness of premature birth and to find ways to reduce the occurrence.  We invite you to visit the following website, marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies, where you can learn more about the tolls of premature birth, find out what you can do to help raise awareness, or make a donation and create a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby.

Pictures from March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

The new Citadel Mall IMAX® Stadium 16 is opening and they are only charging $1.00 a ticket.  Check out the flyer above.  All of the proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Division of the March of Dimes. 

On Tuesday, August 18th from 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m., Manny’s Neighborhood Grill in West Ashley is giving 10% of their pre-tax receipts to the March of Dimes!

This is an easy way to support the March of Dimes mission – just take the family out to eat!

On Thursday, October 29,  the March of Dimes will host its 8th Annual Charleston Signature Chefs Auction at the Embassy Suites Convention Center.  The Signature Chefs Auction is an annual, black-tie event which pays tribute to the culinary excellence of leading local chefs, restaurant owners and caterers in the Charleston area. It is a highly visible event attracting a targeted group of consumers that includes influential business and social leaders in the Charleston area. This evening of entertainment combines a reception, gourmet sampling and silent auction with the excitement of a live auction. Luxury items, vacations and imaginative dining packages prepared by the finest cuisine artists are auctioned to the highest bidders.

For information about this event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Repik at (843) 614-3355.

March for Babies
Saturday, April 25
Cannon Park
8:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. Walk begins

It is not too late to be a part of this years March for Babies. Help Team MUSC and sponsor, Women’s Services, raise $25,000 for the March of Dimes.   The best reasons to participate in the March for Babies and to donate to this cause are provided by our Lowcountry and National Ambassador families.

Some helpful Q & A's for Saturday's walk:

Where do I park?
Parking is in the Rutledge Tower located on Ashley Avenue in downtown Charleston. Parking is free until 12 noon.

What time should I arrive?
We ask participants to arrive at 8:00 a.m. The walk will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Look for the Blue Family Tent. This is where TEAM MUSC will be.

What to wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and socks.

Are strollers allowed?
Yes! Bring your strollers, buggies, wagons and anything you can carry the kids in. The route is flat and on pavement. Runners allowed as well.

Are dogs allowed?
Well mannered, socialized dogs are permitted on leash. Dogs must be supervised at all times.

Do I need to register on March for Babies Day?
If you have already turned in all of your team's money at Bank Day and picked up your incentives you do not need to register at the event. However, if you have additional money, please come to the Registration table under the tent.

What if it rains?
March for Babies takes place rain or shine. If weather conditions become dangerous the event will be cancelled.

Can I raise money after the event?
Yes! Online fundraising continues through December. If someone you know missed the opportunity to sponsor you before the event, please encourage them to make a donation after the event!

For more than 10 years, MUSC has supported the March of Dimes annual March for Babies fundraising event.   The March of Dimes contributes 90% of its donated money to support research, education, and direct patient services all focused on preventing preterm birth and improving newborn outcomes. The Lowcountry March for Babies event will take place at 9 a.m. April 25 at Cannon Park.  Help Team MUSC and sponsor, Women’s Services, raise $25,000 for this years March for Babies.   The best reasons to participate in the March for Babies and to donate to this cause are provided by our Lowcountry and National Ambassador families.

- Meet our 2009 Lowcountry Ambassador

- Meet our 2009 National Ambassador

- Donate to Team MUSC March for Babies