LG Health offers Healthy Beginnings Plus, a free program for expectant mothers who are eligible for Medical Assistance. As a participant in Healthy Beginnings Plus, women have a dedicated health-care team to ensure mothers and babies receive the best medical care possible.
Among the Healthy Beginnings Plus care offerings, mothers can also participate in the Centering Model of Prenatal Care, a nationally recognized model of prenatal care that brings together a group of pregnant women with similar due dates and their health-care team.
“The patient-centered environment allows women to receive time with their provider, form supportive relationships with other women, and learn about prenatal care, the birth process, newborn care, breastfeeding, overall health, and stress management,” said Mary Steffy, manager of Healthy Beginnings Plus.
For five years, the Healthy Beginnings Plus team has offered these sessions to engage women in the health of their baby, as well as their own health. In addition to conversations about health, the sessions include an engaging activity, such as creating a breastfeeding necklace or a rice sock to provide comfort from back pain.
The group sessions end with the women discussing their personal experiences, which leads to greater engagement in well-being and stronger self-confidence.
“We’ve found that the group discussions and meetings lessen the feeling of isolation and stress while building friendships and community supports,” Steffy added. “Many groups grow into playgroups after the birth of their babies.”
In addition to the group care setting, women are offered the support of a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor, stress reduction utilizing mindfulness, exercise classes, cooking classes and childbirth education.
To learn more about Healthy Beginnings Plus and Centering Model of Prenatal Care, visit LGHealth.org.