KENTUCKY — On this week’s “In Focus Kentucky” program, we’re discussing maternal health care in the United States, which according to many health experts, is facing a growing crisis of access, particularly in maternity care deserts—which are considered areas with limited or no access to hospitals or birthing centers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed in 2022, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the maternal mortality rate was 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than other high-income countries, with Black women experiencing disproportionately higher rates.

Erica Rhorer is a central Kentucky-based business owner and registered dietitian nutritionist. She joined this segment to share how she specializes in supporting families from pregnancy through the transitions of early parenthood, with relationship-based care, instruction and resources, and integrative health services for all lactation and nutrition needs.

“I actually like to say that it starts when before you’re even pregnant. If you’re thinking about having a baby, that’s the best time to optimize your nutrition before you’re even pregnant. However, when you are pregnant, seeing a dietitian is really important to support. You know, infant growth and development of your baby, it also reduces the risk of complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, high blood pressure. Now, dietitian can also help relieve some of the complications with becoming pregnant, such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, dietitians can also help mothers maintain their energy and their overall health.,” explains Rhorer.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.