MATERNAL HEALTH

The Maternal Health program includes providing pregnant and post-partum women with the following services:

Ensure early and adequate prenatal care

  • Assess health insurance needs and assist with Medicaid presumptive eligibility
  • Provide care coordination to link pregnant women to a medical home, follow up on appointments and send appointment reminders.
  • Transportation assistance
  • Education on the importance of prenatal care
  • Promote flu vaccines and Tdap vaccines.

    Early identification of risk factors or symptoms that need referral to health care providers.

    • Health screening for depression, tobacco/substance abuse
    • Breastfeeding education and support
    • Signs of preterm labor
    • Signs of high blood pressure and preeclampsia
    • Social assessment and guidance provided by social worker or RN
    • Oral health screening by a RN or RDH and assistance with finding a dentist
    • Postpartum assessment of Mom and baby done in the home or in clinic by a RN

    Promote healthy lifestyle choices

    • Avoid alcohol, tobacco substance abuse
    • Choosing healthy foods and staying active during pregnancy
    • Reducing stress
    • Seat belt use
    • Shaken baby syndrome prevention
    • Safe sleep environment for their infant
    • Wait for labor avoid and elective delivery prior to 39 weeks
    • Promote healthy birth spacing and reduce unintended pregnancies

    Integrate domestic and sexual violence and coercion prevention into services provided.

    Maternal Health Project Director: Katy Gottschalk
    Phone: 641-682-8784  or  1-800-452-1098
    Email: kgottschalk@ahfa.org