In many countries, maternal health disparities disproportionately affected marginalized groups.. Maternal Health Awareness Day advocates for equal access to healthcare for all women, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background…
December is the busiest month for gift giving… Toys play a vital role in helping children learn, grow, and explore the world around them. While most toys are safe, some…
As the holiday season draws near… it’s a perfect time to recognize and show gratitude for those who enrich our lives. In this spirit, we’re thrilled to celebrate National Parents…
Remembering Our Babies… As we start off the month of October, it is only necessary to recognize our mothers with angel babies. These women have faced the heart-wrenching experience of…
Maternal Nutrition… Calcium is crucial for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth, as well as for the proper functioning of the mother’s cardiovascular system. To meet the increased…
Back to School Community Events… Click below to see Back to School Community Events in Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties! Download the Back to School Community Events
Focusing on Infant Nutrition… Breastfeeding provides unparalleled nutritional benefits for infants, offering a unique blend of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are perfectly suited to a baby’s developmental needs.…
Blocking our Babies… Crib bumpers, often marketed as a means to protect infants from bumps and bruises, have increasingly come under scrutiny for their potential dangers. One of the primary…
Just a Thought… The early stages of a father’s bonding with his baby before birth are a unique and transformative experience that begins long before the baby’s arrival. This period…
Normalizing Mom Burnout Motherhood – a word that resonates deeply with mothers as they reflect on their unique experiences. While the journey varies for each woman, the challenges of nurturing…
Protect Your Parts! Anyone sexually active is at risk for getting an STD, but the chances can increase based on the addition of sexual partners and unprotected sex. STDs affect…
Filled with a rush of emotions, bringing a baby into this world is a joy. In the moment of post-birth, mothers are in awe of this life-changing experience, but this…
Reducing Infant Mortality: One Baby at A Time Infant Mortality is the sudden death of a baby that takes place before their first birthday. Although infant mortality is common in…
New Year, New Lifestyle: Caring for a Newborn Whether by choice or by circumstance, the decision to raise a child requires a willingness to adapt to an entirely new way…
The Flu & Pregnancy Did you know that you can get the flu year-round, but you are more likely to catch it between December and February? Influenza, also called the…
How to Prepare Your Health History for Your OB Visit Thanksgiving Day is not only a time to come together with friends and family to enjoy a delicious homemade meal.…
October is National Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month. But while a family’s grieving never ends within a month, it is important to recognize this time as an opportunity to…
September 10-16 is National Folic Acid Awareness Week. Each year, this observation brings much-needed attention to a prenatal vitamin that supports the healthy development of babies. Often, you hear all…
According to health experts, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mom and baby. From reducing your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) ─ to lowering mom’s risk…
With school out, cookouts, baseball, ice cream, swimming, and warm weather to enjoy… It is officially summertime! For many families, long summer days give parents more time to reconnect and…
Did you know: The origins of doulas can be traced back to ancient Greece, where women supported each other during childbirth? And while the professional title of “doula” may be…
Birth doulas are beneficial to all families! A doula is meant to help the mom achieve a healthy and satisfying birth experience. Doulas provide support in the form of offering…
Doulas can make your pregnancy journey safer and more satisfying! Despite the benefits doulas can provide, a survey found that only 6% of U.S. births involved doula services. Doula-assisted mothers…
If you are thinking of hiring a doula, you should begin searching for one as soon as possible. There is nothing better than going with the trusted word of a…
This year Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 18. On Father’s Day, we honor the contributions our fathers, grandfathers, and father figures have made in our lives. This is because…
This Month is Maternal Mental Health (MMH) Month! Each year, we use this month to raise awareness about the emotional well-being of mothers during pregnancy and after giving birth. Read…
This month is National Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month. Each year we observe this holiday to raise awareness about STDs and the importance of STD testing and treatment. STDs…
March is National Nutrition Month, and we celebrate this holiday to encourage healthy eating! It’s no secret that the food we eat fuels our daily activities — but that is…
“Healthy Start is a wonderful program for a young parent like me. Before my daughter was born, I felt an immense amount of anxiety about how she would be raised.…
Did you know that health issues during pregnancy — even if they disappear after delivery — can signal trouble for your heart? February is American Heart Month. Each year, we…
Nearly, 1 in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year in the United States. For this reason, January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. A birth…
In December of 2022, we received a message from a coalition member within the Healthy Start family in South Florida that told the story of one mom who had been…
If you are expecting a baby, chances are you’ve probably wondered whether you’ll have a vaginal birth or Cesarean delivery (C-section). Perhaps you have even wondered which birth is safer…
A VBAC refers to the vaginal birth after a Cesarean delivery (C-section). In the past, pregnant women who had a C-section would automatically be advised to have another. However, recent…
It’s the event that you’ve been happily (and anxiously) anticipating for months: the birth of your baby! Each woman’s labor experience is unique. Sometimes it’s over in a matter of…
C-sections often have increased health risks to mom and baby, but they are not all bad. C-sections are lifesaving surgeries that are often performed to prevent harm to the mom…
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, but also holiday safety! Because the month of December is the most popular month for gift-giving, it is important to keep safety in mind…
Every November, we recognize National Prematurity Awareness Month to raise awareness about the nearly 400,000 premature babies born in the U.S. each year. We also observe this month to find…
One of my earliest jobs in Tallahassee was an OPS position with the state in Maternal and Child health. My supervisor was a beloved congregant at Saint Paul’s United Methodist…
Every October, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) & National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month is observed to bring attention to this unfortunate problem. Losing a child during pregnancy or…
Did you know almost 3.66 million babies were born in the United States last year? Thankfully, all were required to receive screening tests before leaving the hospital. These tests were…
New Breast Milk Donation Site Opens in Leon County Local mothers looking to donate breast milk in Leon County now have a new opportunity to help make a difference in…
Leon County EMS, Dr. Amandla Haynes and Miaisha Mitchell Honored for Their Roles in Improving the Health of Local Moms and Babies Being a parent comes with great rewards —…
All the nutrition a baby needs to grow up healthy is in a mother’s breast milk. As a new mother, you are often given all sorts of advice from every…
Every year in July, Bereaved Parents Awareness Month is observed worldwide. This observance is dedicated to raising awareness about the grief parents experience after the unfortunate loss of a child…
The chances of the baby being born too small and with birth complications are 3X greater if the mother does not receive prenatal care. Having a healthy pregnancy is one…
For all those soon-to-be-fathers, congratulations on your big bundle of joy that is on its way! As a Dad-to-be, there are many ways you can support the pregnancy and prepare…
Whether a pregnancy is planned or a complete surprise, men have an extraordinary role during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond! Research has shown that fathers who play an active role during…
For far too long, males have been left out of discussions about reproductive health because reproductive issues, like infertility, have been traditionally framed as “women’s issues”. However, approximately 40% of…
It takes approximately 2 to 3 months for sperm to grow in the male body! Lifestyle habits such as unhealthy eating, stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake are linked to…
Advocating for yourself with no medical knowledge isn’t easy, but it is key to having an empowered and healthy pregnancy. Never be afraid to ask questions and discuss any issues…
While you are pregnant, you should expect to take some routine tests during your prenatal visits. There are some tests that are recommended for most women, such as blood work…
Early prenatal care is crucial, so as soon as you think you’re pregnant, schedule a prenatal appointment! During the first visit, you can expect your doctor to ask about your…
The chances of the baby being born too small and with birth complications are 3X greater if the mother does not receive prenatal care. Having a healthy pregnancy is one…
During pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, a person goes through many physical and emotional changes. Even the same person may experience different changes for each of their pregnancies! However, women experiencing…
“It is JUST the Baby Blues… I think!?” The “baby blues” are a normal period of transition affecting up to 85% of new mothers in the first 2-3 weeks after…
Mental health problems most often occur during childbearing years! However, many individuals go untreated because of the shame and discrimination associated with mental health. In fact, approximately 75% of women…
Depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar illness, and substance use disorders are among the most common mental health conditions among mothers. Women who are at increased risk…
Did you know that for approximately 40% of couples who are having trouble conceiving a child, the problem is found in the male partner?…No? Well, that may be because infertility…
In the face of the ongoing nationwide shortage of baby formula, the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions and its members are sharing guidance and resources to families struggling to…
We are proud to serve women and babies in Leon and Wakulla counties. Throughout our area mothers need a variety of support and services to help ensure a healthy baby…
It is estimated that more than half of people suffering from mental illness do not get help for their conditions. This is because of the shame and bias connected with…
We are proud to serve women and babies in Leon and Wakulla counties. Throughout our area mothers need a variety of support and services to help ensure a healthy baby…
To swaddle or not to swaddle, that is the question. Swaddling is an ancient method used by many parents to soothe their babies, and as a way to get themselves…
Having your baby share a room with you promotes breastfeeding, emotional bonding, and reduces your child’s risk of SUID. Sharing a room is also called co-sleeping, but this does NOT…
The difference between Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can be sometimes confusing to parents and even professionals. However, SUID is a broad term that…
How should a newborn sleep? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies should sleep alone, in a crib or bassinet until the age of 1. It is also…
Counting down the day until Christmas, but still don’t know what to get your child? Educational gifts make the perfect gift for any child in your life. Educational gifts foster…
As we enter the holiday season, we can’t help but feel fortunate to continue our work and impact the lives of pregnant women, infants and their families in Leon and…
Second-hand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. If mom and baby are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke, it increases mom’s…
There is no safe level of tobacco use among pregnant women and a direct correlation exists between the number of cigarettes smoked and poor outcomes. Even if it is only…
Not only does smoking increase the risk of health problems for mom and baby while baby is developing, but it also makes it harder for mom to conceive. Some of…
According to the American Association for Respiratory Care, health issues can be seen in children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. Negative effects include speech processing, irritability, and varied attention levels.…
When children think of October they think of Halloween, candy, fun costumes and trick-or-treating! But for parents, the thought of Halloween is a little different. Parents are always thinking about…
October begins Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and it is a season we commemorate each year as so many local families experience the pain of losing a pregnancy or…
There will be times when a childcare center, nanny, or family caretaker is no longer a great fit for your child or children. Deciding to change the type of care…
Before hiring a nanny, make a list of interview questions tailored to the type of care you are looking to receive for your child. Once you start your interview process,…
After you’ve chosen a childcare center, now is the time to evaluate the quality. You can do this by asking for a tour of the center, speaking with other parents…
Choosing quality childcare is one of the most important things you will do as a parent. We know that there can be great hesitation and a few drawbacks to putting…
Postpartum depression is one of the prevalent disorders among new mothers. The effectiveness of mindfulness on reducing postpartum depression symptoms has been proven when used instead of conventional options. For…
A baby’s birth challenges you in many ways: hormonally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and chemically. You’re likely to feel exhausted, excited, frustrated, worried, and happy — all at the same time.…
Having a baby can stir up a multitude of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It can also result in depression. It is common for most…
During pregnancy, it is common to feel stressed. Your body goes through significant changes. Your emotions change leaving your mental health in jeopardy. Sometimes these changes are welcomed but most…
Job Description Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition (CAHSC) Position Description for Sister Friends Program/Special Projects Coordinator Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Director, is responsible for coordinating all aspects…
Having a baby ignites a whirlwind of emotions, some happy and others not. After giving birth your hormones are unbalanced and your life is significantly different, which is why postpartum…
Did you know that September is National Child Safety Month? Whether that is safe car seat practices, safe feeding practices or even safe sleeping practices our goal at Healthy Start…
Throughout the pandemic, one of the main topics on parents’ minds has been how a lack of socialization during COVID can impact their child’s development. As vaccine rollouts continue and…
Did you know that August is National Breastfeeding Month? While breastfeeding has its advantages, it can certainly be a tedious process. Breastfeeding preferences can differ from mother to mother, so…
Before and during Hurricane season, it is vital to have a preparedness plan to avoid added stress on the family, especially during pregnancy. Having a plan means mom, dad, and…
As we prepare for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, we are changing the way we serve our Leon County clients. Effective July 1, our Healthy Start services will be provided through…
Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different, and because it is harder than one would think, everyone could use a little support. Even the smallest of gestures can go a long…
Birth defects can occur while your baby is developing in the womb, and certain chemicals, medicines and drugs can increase the risks. There is no proven way to prevent birth…
Mothers pass antibodies to their babies before birth, so they are born with protection from some diseases, but this protection is temporary. Immunization or vaccinations are given as a way…
Development for children is faster when they are younger, so there should be a complete physical exam at their WellCare visits. Your healthcare provider will check the child’s growth and…
Most mothers-to-be eagerly await that first reassuring baby kick to know their baby is growing and developing. Keeping count of your baby’s movements is not only exciting but also a…
You’ve taken your pregnancy test and determined that you are pregnant. You call your doctor, set your first appointment, and wait for the big day to arrive. A great way…
Prenatal nurses work closely with the mother throughout pregnancy, assisting with prenatal and post-baby care. They aid in teaching the importance of incorporating healthy habits and providing resources needed before…
Scheduling pre-pregnancy and prenatal care appointments is essential, as they help prevent complications that may arise once a woman becomes pregnant. During this time, she should schedule regular visits to…
As a maternal patient, it is important to know whether your provider is focusing on delivering culturally competent, patient center care. If you are facing some of the key obstacles…
As we go through life, we move through different stages of development, each with its own biological, psychological, and social characteristics. Nutritional needs also vary from one life stage to…
In the months following childbirth, most new moms need anywhere from 1,800 to 2,200 calories each day. If mom is nursing, she will need about 500 additional calories. If mom…
Whether a woman is planning to get pregnant or not, she needs folic acid. Folic acid is a B Vitamin that our bodies use to make new cells. It is…
What you decide to put in your body or avoid putting in your body matters when it comes to getting pregnant and sustaining a healthier pregnancy. There are specific do’s…
Even as babies, children build reading skills that set the foundation for learning to read. Kids develop reading skills at their own pace, so the exact timetable will be different…
Play is the language of childhood, and teaches children about their world, how to cofunction, and that they have influence. When a child struggles at school or in life, it…
Tummy time is a period in which experts recommend that babies sleep on their back to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most babies spend a lot…
Every child is different, but experts have a clear idea about the range of normal development from birth to age 5 — and signs that a child might have a…
A healthy start can mean something different for everyone. No matter what stage you are at in your pregnancy or early parenthood, Capital Area Healthy Start can help guide your…
While breastfeeding has its advantages and is the better choice for the baby, it can be a tedious process. The process for each mother and baby are different, so you…
Many women experience common side effects to breastfeeding, such as back pain, chest and wrist pain. Many also experience bruising on the breast, cramping, and Osteoporosis. None of these should…
If there are no restrictions for mom or baby, the decision to breastfeed can be one of the best decisions made to your baby grow healthy and strong. Breast milk…
Healthy Start’s mission has always been to provide needed services to local women, babies, and families. Thanks to our supporters and hardworking staff, we’ve been able to do this for…
On February 11, we were proud to host our 2021 Angel Awards & Benefit in support of local women, babies, and families. Staff, sponsors, and attendees gathered virtually to recognize…
Using a Virtual Background on Zoom Please note that not all computers are compatible with Zoom’s virtual background feature. To see if your computer, tablet or phone is compatible, visit…
The Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition is releasing a Request for Proposal to obtain competitive proposals to provide Healthy Start Care Coordination services for pregnant women, interconceptual women, and infants…
As we prepare for the end of 2020, a year that no one anticipated, we can’t help but be thankful for all the good we could still do in the…
During the month of November, Capital Area Healthy Start is observing and actively taking part in National Child Safety and Prevention Month. Throughout this month and year-round, we aim to educate…
As the holiday season quickly approaches, we would like to look back at some of the initiatives and events we proudly participated in over the past month. In October, Capital…
With nearly 3,000 pregnancy and infant losses in Florida this past year, 41 of those in Leon and Wakulla County, we understand how crucial it is to have access to…
Capital Area Healthy Start is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to host our annual Walk to Remember once again this year. While the event will take place online to ensure…
Infant mortality is a pressing issue that affects not only our country’s health but its well-being. During September, Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition recognizes Infant Mortality Awareness Month, promoting awareness…
Coronavirus has created a new normal, changing our day-to-day lives and our community. This includes how new and expectant mothers and parents handle pregnancy and transitioning to life as a…
A healthy pregnancy has always been a vital step to a healthy birth and baby, yet the pandemic has placed increased stress on keeping you and your child safe. New…
Each August, Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition celebrates and recognizes World Breastfeeding Week – a global campaign aiming to inform, anchor, engage and galvanize action on breastfeeding and related issues.…