Melissa Joan Hart joins Merck for Mothers “Once Upon a Birth”

Melissa Joan Hart, celebrity mom and star of ABC Family’s television show “Melissa and Joey,” has partnered with Merck for Mothers in support of their “Once Upon a Birth” campaign.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Melissa Joan Hart and we talked about her passion for saving the lives of mothers around the world.

“Every day, 800 women die from pregnancies and childbirth, including in the U.S., and 90 percent of these deaths are preventable,” said Hart.

She is thrilled to be working with Merck for Mothers in support of their 10-year, $500 million commitment to reducing maternal mortality.   As part of the program, she is helping to get the word out on the importance of maternal health around the world, in particular the “Once Upon a Birth” Facebook initiative.

“For every birth story shared on the Merck for Mothers’ Facebook page, Merck will make a donation to a great cause”, said Hart.  The donations will go to Join my Village – the CARE program that empowers women and girls and supports safe pregnancies and deliveries.

Anyone can tell a birth story on the Merck for Mothers’ Facebook page.

“My brother was in the corner of the room during the delivery of my son Tucker, and he could share the story of his nephew being born,” said Hart.  “My mother will share the story of my birth.”

Among the biggest threats to motherhood are hemorrhaging and preeclampsia, both preventable conditions, and because of these and other conditions, every year, one million children are left motherless in the world.

Melissa Joan Hart would love to see us all share our birth stories on the Merck for Mothers Facebook page so mothers “lives can be spared and they can see their kids grow up.”

And how is Melissa doing after the birth of her third son, Tucker, in September?  She says he is sleeping 4-5 hours at a stretch and his older brothers Mason, 6, and Brady, 4, are excited to have another boy in the house.

Melissa, we are with you.  Thank you for your good work, and thank you Merck for Mothers for your commitment to maternal health.