Baby2Baby, the national nonprofit organization that has provided over half a billion essential items to children in need across the U.S. over the past 14 years, announced the expansion of their initiative to combat the rising maternal mortality rates in the U.S. With a significant $8 million grant from Huggies including funds and in-kind product donations, Baby2Baby will distribute Maternal Health & Newborn Supply Kits in 15 states across the country.

In 2023, Baby2Baby was selected to pilot a program alongside the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to combat the maternal health crisis. After a successful pilot in three states with the highest maternal mortality and child poverty rates – Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico – the program is now expanding to fifteen states including California, New York, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia.

“We are deeply thankful to our longtime partners at Huggies for their unwavering support. Thanks to their extraordinary donation and three-year commitment, we will make a greater impact in the fight against maternal mortality,” say Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. “With their help, we are expanding our efforts to deliver supplies to new mothers across fifteen states, ensuring they have the basic essentials they need for themselves and their babies, especially during the already overwhelming postpartum period.”

This expansion arrives at a critical moment as U.S. maternal mortality rates have more than doubled in the last 20 years, disproportionately impacting Black mothers per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The financial strain on mothers who struggle to afford essential items for their babies takes a significant toll on their physical and mental well-being – with mental health cited by the CDC as the leading cause of maternal mortality. Baby2Baby remains committed to supporting families by providing kits that include critical items for mom and baby, including diapers, wipes, hygiene products, breastfeeding supplies, postpartum care, and educational resources.

“Huggies’ mission is grounded in providing the very best comfort and care to all babies – and parents,” says Andrea Zahumensky, president of North America Baby and Child Care at Kimberly-Clark. “Partnering with an organization like Baby2Baby is an honor, and a testament to our history of providing essential support, over 300 million diapers, to the people who need them most.”   

Baby2Baby and Huggies’ continued partnership underscores their shared commitment to addressing the tragically rising maternal mortality rate across the nation. This expanded collaboration will strengthen efforts to support maternal and infant health, particularly among vulnerable communities, ensuring that more families have access to the critical resources and support they need.