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 parent. With most prenatal care going digital and parents having to take extra safety precautions, it can be easy to feel unsure about our families’ safety amidst the impacts of COVID-19.
Here are a few tips to keep your baby, your family, and you safe during this time.
- Maintain social distancing guidelines and avoid large crowds, especially if you are pregnant or have a newborn
- Make sure to wear a mask and wash your hands frequently
- Ensure that those around you and your baby are not showing any symptoms nor have recently tested positive for COVID-19
- Do not be afraid to politely say “no” to those wanting to hold your baby, especially if they are newborns
- Participate in telemedicine calls, but do not skip necessary in-person appointments
- Stay connected with your care team, and do be honest about how you are feeling
While navigating these changes may seem difficult, Healthy Start is still here to provide services and support to those in need, all free of charge.
The first step in the Healthy Start Program is protecting your baby by taking a prenatal risk screen. This screen, like all Healthy Start services, is free and identifies any risks that could negatively affect you or your baby, including health education, stress management, and support as well.
Following the prenatal risk screen, patients can enroll in Healthy Start and be assigned a care coordinator to specifically tailor the program to you and your family’s needs. Given safety precautions during the pandemic, care coordinators can assist you digitally or face-to-face. Care coordinator services include:
- Pregnancy health education
- Nutrition education
- Childbirth preparation
- Breastfeeding education and support
- New baby care
- Parenting education and support
- Help to quit smoking
- Stress management and emotional support
- General support and community referrals
Whether it’s general concerns for your baby’s health or simply navigating this new life, your care coordinator is here to help you comfortably ease into being a parent during the pandemic.
Contact us today!
