A cooperative program of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and March of Dimes for more than 50 years, Stork’s Nest aims to increase the number of pregnant people receiving early and regular prenatal care in an effort to help prevent preterm birth, as well as infant and maternal death. The first Stork’s Nest was launched in Atlanta, Georgia in 1971 as one of many education and service projects of Better Infant Births (BIB), a highly successful program sponsored by the Fulton-Dekalb Clayton Chapter of March of Dimes. The program was so successful that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. adopted Stork’s Nest in 1972 as its national project and opened its first Nest in Houston, Texas. 

Through Stork’s Nest, March of Dimes and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. are working together to give babies a healthy start and ensure that every family can celebrate the baby’s first birthday, in their best possible health. Stork’s Nest is a signature program in the sorority’s pledge to contribute to the health and welfare of families, children, and youth. It’s also intimately tied to the mission of March of Dimes to fight for the health of all moms and babies. Since 1938, March of Dimes has been a national leader in funding research, education, and programs to support healthy birth outcomes for all. 

March of Dimes and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Stork’s Nest objectives 

Stork’s Nest seeks to increase the number of healthy births by increasing the number of individuals who have higher risk of preterm birth or maternal mortality in getting adequate medical care and social services during pregnancy. It does this by providing: 

• Incentives (maternity and baby items) for pregnant people who get early and regular prenatal care and attend their postpartum appointments. 

• Prenatal education sessions for pregnant people and their partners to help them make informed decisions about prenatal health and baby care. 

• Information about community resources that meet the physical and emotional needs of moms and their families.