Doctor and mother raise awareness for National Birth Defects Awareness Month

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- January marks National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time for women to become aware of methods by which they can reduce the risk of birth defects in their children.

Parents and families affected by birth defects can also learn the information they may need to seek proper care as children grow into adulthood.

Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, Chief Medical and Health Officer of March of Dimes joined us on Thursday, Jan. 19 alongside Amy DeSantis, a mother whose son was born with down syndrome and a congenital heart defect.

They discussed raising awareness of birth defects, the disparities around communities that see higher percentages of children born with birth defects as well as the impact that is made by birth defects on individuals and families.

More information about the March of Dimes can be found by visiting MarchOfDimes.org.