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Motherhood(R) Maternity Supports March of Dimes in Giving Every Baby a Strong and Healthy Start; November is Prematurity Awareness Month

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080919/NEF031 )

Beginning October 1st, all Motherhood Maternity stores across the US will participate in numerous in-store programs to raise funds and awareness in support of Prematurity Awareness Month. Programs include the sale of the "Be Healthy, Be Happy" bracelet and charm, as well as the opportunity for customers to donate at the point-of-sale. Store associates will also direct customers to www.marchofdimes.com/petition to sign the Petition for Preemies -- a campaign to urge federal and state policy makers to move our nation forward to do more to help moms have healthy, full-term babies.

"November is when we focus the nation's attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families, and on the opportunities for prevention," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Motherhood Maternity is a committed partner and friend in our mission to give every baby a strong and healthy start."

"Premature birth is the leading cause of death among newborns," states Rebecca Matthias, President and Chief Creative Officer of Motherhood Maternity. "We are proud of our unique opportunity to educate over 2 million expectant moms with the March of Dimes message."

Included with each Be Healthy, Be Happy charm and bracelet, Motherhood Maternity offers these nine helpful hints for a healthy pregnancy:

    -- Get regular prenatal care
    -- Take prenatal vitamins every day
    -- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs
    -- Avoid uncooked meats, fish containing mercury and unpasteurized dairy
       products
    -- Eat balanced, nutritious meals daily
    -- Manage stress in your life
    -- Exercise moderately
    -- Maintain healthy teeth and gums
    -- Know the warning signs of preterm labor
                              www.motherhood.com

Motherhood Maternity continues to encourage all moms-to-be to visit our website and stores to learn more about supporting the March of Dimes and to continue to help spread this important message.

About Motherhood Maternity

Dressing over two million new moms-to-be each year, Motherhood(R) Maternity is the maternity expert and offers an extraordinarily large selection of hot fashion at low prices. Motherhood(R) Maternity can be found nationwide, inCanada,Puerto Rico,Guam, and in all Destination Maternity(R) stores. For store locations or to shop online or by phone, visit www.motherhood.com and www.motherhoodcanada.ca, or call 1.800.4MOM2BE.

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies, and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.

SOURCE Motherhood Maternity