New Organization Launches to Help Premature Babies Thrive
HERNDON, Va., Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In November 2014, in honor of National Prematurity Awareness Month, Pebbles of Hope, a 501c3 non-profit organization, will launch its first programs to provide resources and support to parents and caregivers dealing with the challenges of caring for a premature baby in underserved areas, both in the U.S. and internationally.
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The organization will provide cutting edge educational, community and mentoring programs to parents and other caregivers in low-resource settings, designed to empower them with the knowledge needed to effectively care for babies born prematurely.
Founder of Pebbles of Hope, Cheryl Chotrani says, "By using innovations in media, technology and communications to empower parents of preemies in underserved areas, we will work to end preventable deaths and disabilities of premature babies around the world."
Throughout the month of November, Pebbles of Hope will be hosting its inaugural online webinar series with experts hosting sessions on the important topic of preemie nutrition.
Nearly 15 million babies are born prematurely every year worldwide, and of that, over one million die of complications from premature birth. Most of these deaths are preventable if simple interventions are taken at birth and proper care is given to these children during the first year of life and beyond.
Chotrani says, "Babies born in underserved areas – the rural south, inner-cities and the developing world – are disproportionately affected by premature birth and high rates of infant mortality. Prematurity is the number one cause of newborn death, and those that survive often face a lifetime of medical challenges. While equipped hospitals, trained medical workers and medications are critical to addressing this; parents also play an important role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of these preemies. However, in the areas most affected by prematurity, parents are less likely to receive education on the actions they can take to support their children's health and development."
In the U.S. alone, about 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, and many states have preterm birth and infant mortality rates that rival the developing world.
Through parent education, mentoring and mass media campaigns, Pebbles of Hope will help make sure premature babies have a fighting chance—not just to live, but also to thrive. Programs like the Thrive Guide, inspired by Chotrani's own experience with the birth of her son, Nathan, who was born at just 24 weeks, will be an interactive resource with tips, instructional videos and information to educate preemie parents about nutrition, managing health challenges and promoting the healthy development of their little ones. The first module will focus on nutrition, breastfeeding and Kangaroo Care – skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby – and is expected to launch during the first quarter of 2015. Pebbles of Hope has already received its first grant in the amount of $2,500 as the winner of the September Social Innovation Grant award from Udemy, and will use this funding to launch the Thrive Guide.
Persons interested in learning more about Pebbles of Hope or our Thrive Guide program, please contact Cheryl Chotrani at 571-250-7495 or by email at Email.
To see a video on YouTube explaining the inspiration behind our organization go to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CRg0cU4NHQ
About Pebbles of Hope
Pebbles of Hope is a United States-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping premature babies around the world survive and thrive. By leveraging the power of media, technology and community to provide education and training to parents, birth attendants, and community health workers, we are working to give premature babies born in low-resource areas an increased chance at survival and the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
Media Contact:
Cheryl Chotrani, Founder and Executive Director
571-250-7495
Email
SOURCE Pebbles of Hope
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