B’more Fit for Healthy Babies Coalition

The B’more Fit for Healthy Babies Coalition is planning an obesity-reduction strategy for women of childbearing age in Baltimore City. The strategy will include interventions designed to address issues regarding nutrition and fitness, including work on policy, systems, and services. With continued funding, the coalition will implement these strategies beginning late in 2011.

The B’more Fit for Healthy Babies Coalition exists due to generous funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health Coalition for a Healthier Community Grant.

Baltimore City needs B’more Fit for Healthy Babies

  • Babies born in Baltimore City die at a rate that is among the worst in America. In 2009 alone, 128 infants under the age of one died. Moms in Baltimore are also unhealthy.
  • Forty percent of women in Baltimore City ages 18-44 are considered obese.
  • Obese women face increased risks during pregnancy and delivery, and their infants are more likely to have poor birth outcomes.
  • The the B’more Fit for Healthy Babies Coalition will provide support for the third phase of B’more for Healthy Babies Campaign, to be titled “Healthy Baltimore.”

Our Vision

All women and girls in Baltimore City will be at a healthy weight before, during, and after pregnancy.

Mission

For all women and girls in Baltimore City to enter pregnancy at a healthy weight; gain appropriate weight during pregnancy; and maintain a healthy weight after pregnancy through increased access to and utilization of evidence-based and promising weight management, nutrition, and exercise programs tailored to meet their specific needs.

Coordinating agencies

Family League of Baltimore City and the Baltimore City Health Department are co-leaders of the B’more Fit for Healthy Babies Coalition

Partners

  • Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks
  • Baltimore Interfaith Coalition
  • Brick Bodies
  • Jewel House
  • Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute
  • Michelle’s Haven
  • Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Mercy Medical Center
  • Planned Parenthood of Maryland
  • Priority Partners
  • Weight Watchers
  • What to Expect Foundation
  • Y of Central Maryland