MILWAUKEE — On average, 99 babies in the City of Milwaukee die before their first birthday every year. It’s a problem that local leaders are trying to get a handle on through spreading awareness, which was the focus of the 9th Annual “Strong Baby Sabbath.”
Mariah Galarza has been enjoying every moment with her newborn, Maddox Riley.
“It’s been an exciting experience. Every day is something new. She’s learning and growing amazingly,” Galarza said.
It’s her second child and she’s learned that each day comes with new challenges.
“Every child is different,” Galarza said.
Caring for a child is no easy job, especially for families living in poor conditions. In fact, most baby deaths are a result of these unhealthy situations, which include co-sleeping. Out of more than 9,000 babies born in the city, 99 did not make it to their first birthday, according to the Milwaukee Health Department.
To reduce the number of infant deaths, city leaders are working with area churches to provide families with support.
Mayor Tom Barrett spoke to congregations across the city Sunday, including New Covenant Baptist Church, to spread the surprising statistics about infant mortality.
“African American babies are three times as likely to die before their first birthday as white babies,” Barrett said.
New Covenant is one of several strong baby sanctuaries in Milwaukee offering resources and education for young women.
“Providing the support, the emotional support, the physical support for young women who are going to be mothers, are new mothers,” Barrett said.
Galarza has that support from her family and friends, but she didn’t know so many others didn’t.
“I couldn’t even imagine losing my baby,” Galarza said.
Now she wants to help other young mothers in the community, and hopes they take advantage of the resources available.
“To tell them like you don’t have to be a member to come get the resources and the help that you need is amazing,” Galarza said. “That’s exactly what God would want us to do.”
More churches are continuing to join the program. For more information on Strong Baby Sabbath's in your area, click here.
