November 2024

Prematurity Awareness Month, National Native American Heritage Month

In the wake of a tumultuous election day/season, many of us are feeling at increased risk and ever more afraid for the safety of our loved ones.

Our work is focused on making Black people safer despite the violence that keeps coming and escalating. While we’re bracing for this work to become harder in the short term, this commitment to building safety and joy never wavers.

For renowned poet, essayist, and activist Audre Lorde, taking care of oneself was a political act. She framed healing as an act of resistance against oppressive systems—especially those that seek to silence, isolate, or dehumanize individuals. Take care of yourselves and each other.

There’s always more work to be done, but right now, we urge you to prioritize your needs and secure your oxygen mask first. Community is the safety net we must protect and deepen, and we will endeavor to support this in all the ways we can.

World Prematurity Day is November 17th

World Prematurity Day is a day to raise awareness about the challenges faced by preterm infants. In the US, 1 in 10 infants is born premature, and while advances in neonatal care improve survival rates, the road to healthy lives is a long one.

At the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi), we’re committed to preventing preterm births by advancing research, collaborating with at-risk communities, and addressing the root causes of preterm birth—especially in Black communities that are disproportionately affected.

This year, PTBi-funded research explored links between preterm birth and factors like eating disorders, housing insecurity, and structural racism. We also supported groundbreaking research on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to new screening methods and closer to finding a cause.

We will continue to work hard to build awareness, fund clinical studies, and advocate for better maternal care.

There’s much more to do towards a future where all babies are born healthy and on time.

Job Opening at EMBRACE

Our colleagues at UCSF EMBRACE, a clinical program that supports Black birthing families with racially concordant perinatal care within the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, are hiring two Perinatal Clinical Social Workers.

The Serenity series at UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health has invited artists to showcase a body of work that inspires relaxation, wellness, and peace.

Opening Reception:

Thursday, November 14, 5 - 7 PM

Exhibit Open:

October 12, 2024 - January 9, 2025

UCSF Women's Health Center

2356 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Voices for Birth Justice: Prematurity Awareness

Michele Poole

Mother of Preemie Twins, Breastfeeding Advocate

Michele delivered twins at just 23 weeks, each weighing a pound. While she didn't find support from the clinicians, she did from within her community, friends, and family to survive 103 days of her children in the NICU.

Read Her Story

Sabrina Beavers

Program Coordinator,

Black Infant Health

Despite working to provide support to Black mothers in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Sabrina’s own pregnancy journey included a preterm birth. That experience makes her a powerful advocate for offering support to others.

Read Her Story