Give your baby a Healthy Start in life!

Healthy Start

A Maryland Medical Assistance Program

Everyone hopes to have a healthy baby, and to see their baby grow up into a healthy child. But, sadly, over 800 babies die in Maryland each year. Many die because they are born too early—before 9 months. Babies born too early are so small and weak, they may never have a chance at a happy and healthy life.

The Maryland Medical Assistance Program, the Caroline County Health Dept.,  private doctors, nurse midwives and clinics are concerned about pregnant women. That is why the Healthy Start Program was started.

If you have Medical Assistance, you can get Healthy Start services. Healthy Start pays for extra health services for pregnant women: nutrition counseling, alcohol and drug counseling, and community health nurse home visits.

Healthy Start nurses know about the services in your neighborhood. She can help you get the services you need. When she visits, you can ask about whatever is on your mind. Some things you may want to discuss are:

·          Where to get medical care, food, housing, clothes, and rides to the doctor.

·          Questions about something the doctor said or did at your prenatal visit.

·          How to eat right for you and your baby.

·          How smoking, alcohol, and drugs might affect you and your baby.

·          How to deal with your feelings, emotions, and relationships during pregnancy and after your baby is born.

·          How to get ready for your baby to be born, labor and delivery.

·          How to know if your labor has started too early, and what to do if it has.

After your baby is born, the Healthy Start nurse can check on you and your new baby at home. Every mother and baby deserve a Healthy Start!