WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 23, 2006 – More than half a million babies are born prematurely every year and the number is rising.  That's why Motherhood# Maternity, a national sponsor of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, has joined in a national effort with the March of Dimes to raise awareness to help educate and fund research to save babies from premature birth.

“Motherhood# Maternity is providing vital information to support healthy pregnancies and to help pregnant women reduce the risks for premature birth,'' says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “They are a committed partner and friend in our mission to assure a healthy birth for every baby.”

“Motherhood# Maternity is always pleased to work with the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Campaign,” said Rebecca Matthias, President and Creative Director for Motherhood Maternity. “Healthy pregnancies are key to preventing premature births and Motherhood Maternity is proud to have donated over $180,000 to the March of Dimes in the past year.  We encourage all moms-to-be to visit our stores and learn more about supporting the March of Dimes,” continued Ms. Matthias. 

More than 12.5 percent of American babies – or 1 in 8 – are born prematurely each year.  Premature birth (less than 37 weeks gestation) is the number one cause of death for newborns and increases the risk of lifelong disability in babies and children.

Preventing premature birth is critical to reducing the U.S. infant mortality rate. A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that preterm birth contributed to more than one-third of infant deaths within the first year of life. 

The March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month to send the alert that premature birth is a national health crisis that must be stopped.

For the fourth year in a row, more than 650 Motherhood# Maternity locations nationwide will take donations to support the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign from October 1st through October 31st.  In addition, Motherhood Maternity shoppers can purchase a ‘be healthy be happy™' charm for a dollar donation supporting the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign either in-store or online at motherhood.com.   In November, and throughout the year, you can help the March of Dimes fight premature birth by taking action at marchofdimes.com.

Included with each March of Dimes Charm, Motherhood Maternity offers these nine helpful hints for a healthy pregnancy: 

• Get regular prenatal care
• Take prenatal vitamins every day
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Avoid uncooked meats, fish containing mercury and unpasteurized dairy products
• Eat balanced, nutritious meals daily
• Manage stress in your life
• Exercise moderately
• Maintain healthy teeth and gums
• Know the warning signs of preterm labor

Motherhood® Maternity is the nation's leading maternity retailer. Visit Motherhood® Maternity stores or visit on-line at motherhood.com or call 1.800.4MOM2BE. 

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.

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