Healthy Start

Program Description

Healthy Start is a public health program that provides enriched prenatal services, health education, counseling, and linkage to services for at risk pregnant women. 

Healthy Start for Mom and Baby

In response to requests from healthcare providers and clients served by the Harford County Health Department, we are excited to launch a 4 week Childbirth Education series entitled Healthy Start for Mom and Baby. Classes are at no cost to participants and are held on Thursdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Woodbridge Station Health Department in Edgewood.

Our target populations for these classes are Medical Assistance recipients and teen parents. In addition to prenatal care, labor and birth education, postpartum care and newborn care (Safe Sleep and SIDS) the classes have unique features which include:

• Medical Assistance and HealthChoice Education; referral for care coordination as needed; and linkage with their MCO as needed.
• Teen Friendly atmosphere with various teaching tools (audio, visual, and tactile)
• Transportation provision via bus vouchers.
• One-on one attention to psychosocial needs and interventions to increase self esteem and promote healthy parenting.
• Community resource information, referrals to community agencies by way of written referrals and linkage to support programs (DSS, Housing, Safe Start, Early Head Start, Open Doors, Family Planning, Smoking Cessation, etc.)
• Nurses to partner with participants as labor coaches during practice breathing techniques and relaxation exercises
• Incentives for attendance; refreshments, door prizes (funded by a grant from UnitedHealthCare MCO)

Classes are taught by experienced maternal child registered nurses who are also certified childbirth educators. It is our goal in providing education, to address a knowledge deficit that in turn will lead to a reduction in associated risks.

Please see enclosed flyer and share the information regarding the classes with any/all expectant mothers.

Feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns as we seek to strengthen our community partnerships.

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