Abstract
In 2022, United States infant mortality increased for the first time in over 20 years, driven largely by deaths due to maternal complications and preterm birth, and highlighted significant racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in both infant mortality and morbidities. This underscores the relationship between maternal and infant health outcomes. This article presents a framework for understanding the mother-infant dyad using an adaptation of the socio-ecological model and focuses on patient and family factors, provider and healthcare system factors, community factors, and policy and societal factors that perpetuate inequities in infant outcomes. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a driver of inequities, but also provides critical, yet underutilized, opportunities for intervention. Strategies to promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being of mothers and infants include NICU-based lactation and mental health support, culturally responsive care, screening for social determinants of health, and engagement of families in care and quality improvement. Beyond the NICU, broader structural and policy changes are essential, including equitable access to risk-appropriate care, paid family leave, comprehensive health insurance, and investments in community partnerships. Addressing these drivers of inequity through coordinated healthcare, policy, and community action can better support the mother-infant dyad and improve the well-being of all families.