Healthy Births Symposium Participants Share Wealth of Community Resources

About 130 representatives of more than 50 organizations shared a wealth of resources, strategies, and accomplishments to promote optimal health for mothers-to-be and their babies at LA Best Babies Network's (LABBN) annual Partners Symposium November 15 in Los Angeles.

"It's exciting to see such a wide range of perinatal caregivers and advocates—from nurses and physicians, to social workers, doulas, and promotoras (Spanish-speaking health promoters)-- come together to share their enthusiasm for the important work of promoting health births," said Dr. Carolina Reyes, executive director of LABBN.

LABBN was created by First 5 LA to serve as a strategic partner and the coordinating body for the $15 million Healthy Births Initiative. Its goal is to network health, education, and social service programs supporting pregnant women to help ensure healthy, full-term babies.

LABBN provides technical support to the four Best Babies Collaboratives, comprised of more than 50 organizations that promote maternal health in high-need areas of Los Angeles County.

For information about the Healthy Births Initiative, visit www.labestbabies.org.