The keys to a healthy future for Mississippi are healthy pregnancies, healthy births, and successful early childhood development. Our maternal and child health programs work to make that happen.
Healthy children depend on healthy mothers and the right environment for their development. When children are born on time, at a healthy weight, to healthy mothers, they get the best start in life to become healthy and successful future Mississippians.
MSDH’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program supports new mothers and mothers-to-be at risk for health problems by providing care management and home visits before and after a baby is born. We work with families and communities to help provide a healthy and safe birth, and healthy infant development.
Mothers and babies in all 82 Mississippi counties who have identified health risks can get support that includes:
- Finding a medical home for you or your baby.
- Identifying family and community supports.
- Referrals for services such as Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP) and WIC.
- Referrals for family planning, mental health, transportation, housing, medical services, childcare, employment services, and breastfeeding assistance.
- Home visits by a nurse care manager after your baby is born.
- Health education, such as preparing for the hospital, depression, anxiety, caring for baby, infant safety, and healthy infant development.
- Nutritional information
Health From the Beginning and Beyond
- Healthy families get their start long before pregnancy. Our comprehensive Reproductive Health program provides family planning services, genetic counseling, and education that help ensure a healthy family in the making.
- Beyond pregnancy and childbirth, the Women, Infants, and Children’s nutritional support program (WIC) offers healthy foods to expecting mothers and growing children for their best development.
- We also offer Early Intervention services for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Early life support means that more children can reach their full potential.
- Our Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program focuses on early detection and treatment of hearing disorders in newborns. Early action can often prevent serious speech and language delays when the child is older.
Find the Program for You
Review our whole range of programs that support women and children. One may be right for you or someone you know.
Pay Us a Visit
Drop by our website and browse around. You’ll get to see the many, many ways we work to benefit you and everyone in Mississippi.
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