Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unveiled an unsettling trend: the infant mortality rate in the United States has increased for the first time in nearly two decades. In 2022, a distressing total of 20,577 American infants succumbed before reaching their first birthday, translating to a mortality rate of
Birth
For expectant parents, waiting for the arrival of their baby can be one of the most anticipated stages in their lives. The nine months leading up to the due date are often filled with excitement, preparation, and an undeniable crescendo of hope. However, the moment your due date has passed—without a baby in your arms—it