NPR Summer Series on Maternal and Child Health

This summer, NPR’s afternoon newsmagazine All Things Considered is doing a summer-long series called “Beginnings: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond.” A far-reaching collection of reports and features looking at medical, cultural and economic aspects of birth around the world, "Beginnings" will air Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through August 2011.

The first stories ran the week of June 27th, exploring how HIV rates and health worker shortages are complicating childbirth in Mozambique, a drug called misoprostol is being used in preventing post-partum hemorrhage and in medical abortions, and IVF clinics are flourishing in China. Through incisive reporting and commentary on everything from advances in fetal surgery to the post-partum depression in Uganda, "Beginnings" will take listeners around the world to compare attitudes toward childbirth and care. Stories will explore France's gold-plated health system for new mothers, which is under strain from budget pressures and immigration; the popular Chinese tradition of spending the first month post-birth confined to the indoors; and ancient childbirth rituals in Egypt associated with the number seven. "Beginnings" will also take a look at pregnancy, childbirth and parenting in the United States.

As part of the series, NPR.org introduces The Baby Project, a blog following nine pregnant women from different regions and walks of life who are expecting to give birth this summer. The women will blog about their final weeks of pregnancy and early weeks as new parents. Women will be contributing to the blog from: Charlotte, NC; Lillington, NC; Logan, UT; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Oakland, CA; St. Paul, MN; Union, KY; and Vinalhaven, ME.

All Things Considered, NPR's signature afternoon newsmagazine, is hosted by Melissa Block, Michele Norris and Robert Siegel and reaches more than 12 million listeners weekly. To find local stations and broadcast times for the program, visit www.npr.org/stations. Or check the archives online to read all the stories in the series.