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 way to a healthier path for you and your baby.
The Healthy Start program offers a variety of services and support for women, babies, and families. We encourage all pregnant women to say “yes” to a Prenatal Risk Screen offered by their healthcare provider. This screen helps identify any risk factors that could negatively affect you or your baby. Once this is done, you are ready to enroll in Healthy Start!
To those that are expecting — congratulations! Even if you have been pregnant before, Healthy Start is here to provide you with additional resources and guidance during this time in your life.
While pregnant, it is extremely important to take care of yourself and your baby.
We encourage you to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, get some form of daily physical activity, take your prenatal vitamins, go to all your prenatal appointments and talk to a doctor if you have any concerns, no matter how small they may be.
By enrolling in Healthy Start, you have access to a variety of services provided by your designated Care Coordinator. Services that can help keep you and your baby healthy include:
- Pregnancy health education
- Childbirth preparation
- Nutrition education
- Help to quit smoking
- Stress management and emotional support
- General support and community referrals
Along with these, Healthy Start has implemented the MomCare program. Momcare is designed to help pregnant women that are newly enrolled in Medicaid. Our MomCare advisors can provide:
- Assistance with navigating the Medicaid system
- Help with selecting a prenatal care provider
- Assistance finding a pediatrician for your baby after birth
- Information about Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition services and how to enroll
- General information about the prenatal care process
- Referrals to community resources
It is just as important to stay healthy after pregnancy as it is during pregnancy. Maintaining healthy practices not only benefits you but your baby as well. Healthy Start provides new mothers and families with everything from nutritional information to general emotional support. Some of our services that can help keep you on your path include:
- Breastfeeding education and support
- New baby care
- Nutrition education
- Help to quit smoking
- Parenting education and support
- Emotional and stress management
- Access to community resources
Whatever it may be that you’re looking for assistance with, we are here to provide you with the tools to experience a healthy start. By enrolling in our program, you are given resources to improve your maternal health and ensure your baby is starting life as healthy as possible.
If you’re looking to embark on a healthier path, we encourage you to enroll in Healthy Start and begin your journey today!
For more information, visit our contact page.
