An Ounce of Prevention
by Martha Day
4/19/2023
In May 2021, Vitamin Bridge volunteers built an elevated platform for improved prenatal vitamin storage and protection. The platform was constructed using “marine-grade plywood,” which admittedly seemed a bit excessive. What were the odds of our office space flooding? This year a February ice storm caused a pipe to freeze, break, and flood our building. The elevated platform kept our prenatal vitamin inventory high and dry. I am grateful for their forethought - an ounce of prevention.
Another Ounce of Prevention
I have heard firsthand stories of dietary struggles from expecting moms. One mom shared that her primary food source was leftovers at her job. She worked in a concession stand and hotdogs were often all that was left at day’s end. Another mom explained that oranges were all she had been able to tolerate since becoming pregnant. Oranges are a healthy food choice but much more nutrition is necessary for a mom and baby during pregnancy. Neither woman was taking prenatal vitamins when visiting one of our first-touch provider partners and both left with a 100-day supply in hand – an ounce of prevention.
Why Prenatal Vitamins Are Important
Essential minerals and micronutrients found in prenatal vitamins help supplement the nutritional needs of women during pregnancy. Women visiting our first-touch provider partners are often at risk of inadequate nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Timely access to prenatal vitamins for the under-resourced has the potential to improve birth outcomes with lifelong benefits. For our nation’s most vulnerable, an ounce of prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure.
Another Ounce of Prevention
I have heard firsthand stories of dietary struggles from expecting moms. One mom shared that her primary food source was leftovers at her job. She worked in a concession stand and hotdogs were often all that was left at day’s end. Another mom explained that oranges were all she had been able to tolerate since becoming pregnant. Oranges are a healthy food choice but much more nutrition is necessary for a mom and baby during pregnancy. Neither woman was taking prenatal vitamins when visiting one of our first-touch provider partners and both left with a 100-day supply in hand – an ounce of prevention.
Why Prenatal Vitamins Are Important
Essential minerals and micronutrients found in prenatal vitamins help supplement the nutritional needs of women during pregnancy. Women visiting our first-touch provider partners are often at risk of inadequate nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Timely access to prenatal vitamins for the under-resourced has the potential to improve birth outcomes with lifelong benefits. For our nation’s most vulnerable, an ounce of prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure.
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Martha became aware of nutrition gaps and the importance of prenatal vitamins among under-resourced moms-to-be while serving at a community pregnancy center. She was moved to action and continues to use her experience as a volunteer and advocate to lead The Vitamin Bridge.
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