Pregnancy

Programs & Resources

· Prenatal Care Coordination

· Pre/Interconceptional Health

· Maternal & Child Health Program

· Healthy Start

· WIC

· Breastfeeding

Prenatal Care Coordination

Prenatal Care Coordination helps pregnant women in Pierce County get the support and services they need to have a healthy baby.

Prenatal Care Coordination services include:

Questions that a care coordinator can help you with:

Pierce County Statistics

· The percentage of births to mothers receiving early prenatal care in Pierce County was 88% in 2002, which was slightly higher than the Wisconsin state average of 84% and the Western Regional average of 82%. 
http://www.wwhf.org/pg_firstbreath_1.asp

· In 2004, 466 babies were born to Pierce County residents.  http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/wish/main/wis_births/wis_births_home.htm

· Less than 6% of babies in Pierce County were born with a low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams) compared to the Wisconsin statewide rate of 7%.  http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/wish/measures/lbw/long_form.html

Maternal Depression

Depression During Pregnancy

Out of every 10 women who are pregnant, one or two have symptoms of major depression. Women who have been depressed before are at higher risk for depression.

Depressed mothers are often less able to care for themselves or their children, or to bond with their children.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

A woman who is depressed feels sad or “blue” and has other symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. The other symptoms include the following:

· Trouble sleeping

· Sleeping too much

· Lack of interest

· Feelings of guilt

· Loss of energy

· Difficulty concentrating

· Changes in appetite

· Restlessness, agitation or slowed movement

· Thoughts or ideas about suicide

The Postpartum Blues

After the baby is born, many new mothers have the “postpartum blues” or the "baby blues." The word “blues” is not really correct since women with this condition are happy most of the time. But compared to how she usually feels, the new mother:

· Is more irritable

· Cries more easily

· Feels sad

· Feels confused

The postpartum blues peak three to five days after delivery. They usually end by the tenth day after the baby’s birth. Although the postpartum blues are not pleasant, the woman can function normally. The feeling of the "blues" usually lessens and goes away over time.

Postpartum Depression

About one out of every eight women has postpartum depression after delivery. It is the most common complication among women who have just had a baby. 

Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition. It is not something a woman can control. It is not a sign of being a bad mother. It poses risks for the woman and her baby. The most important things to do are:

· Recognize the signs of postpartum depression (see below)

· Reach out and get help because a range of treatments are available

Postpartum depression is not the same as the “postpartum blues.”

                                   What Is Postpartum Depression?

A woman who has postpartum depression feels sad, "down" or depressed. She also has five or more of the following symptoms lasting two weeks or longer:

· Trouble sleeping (even when the baby is asleep or when others are caring for the infant)

· Lack of interest

· Feelings of guilt

· Loss of energy

· Difficulty concentrating

· Changes in appetite

· Restlessness or slowed movement

· Thoughts or ideas about suicide

Postpartum depression can begin at any time within the first three months after delivery. It can seriously threaten both the woman and her baby. Since the mother is seriously ill, she may not be able to care for her baby as she would if she were well. The disease may make it hard for the mother to breastfeed or bond with her baby. For these reasons, postpartum depression is a threat to newborns.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/home.asp

Perinatal Depression: Emerging Perspectives and Practices from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau:  http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov/mchirc/dataspeak/events/june_05/index.htm

First Breath Program

First Breath is a program that helps pregnant women in Wisconsin quit smoking. The program is coordinated by the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation with partners, State of Wisconsin Division of Public Health, UW-Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, and APS Healthcare Inc.  First Breath cessation strategies are integrated into existing prenatal care models, including public health services and private healthcare clinic appointments.

http://www.wwhf.org/pg_firstbreath_1.asp

For more information call 715-273-6755.

March of Dimes perinatal care information: 

http://www.marchofdimes.com/

Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care (WAPC): 

http://www.perinatalweb.org/

Pre/Interconceptional Health

Whether you’re planning a baby now, or may want to become pregnant some time in the future, it’s never too soon to start preparing.  You and your partner make the decision to become parents—the responsibility is yours!  If you are having sex and not using some form of effective birth control, there are steps you should take to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Health Status

· Eat right & maintain a healthy weight.  Being overweight or underweight at the start of a pregnancy can affect your baby.

· Taking a one-a-day vitamin will ensure you get plenty of folic acid.

· Visit your dentist on a regular basis—poor oral health can lead to poor birth outcomes.

Health Risks

· Avoid tobacco, alcohol & other drugs.

· Hazards at work or in the home, such as chemicals or radiation can be harmful if you’re planning on having a baby.

· Some medications can cause birth defects—speak with your provider.

· Infectious diseases, like STDs, can be passed to your baby.

Medical History

· It’s important to know your own medical history, your partner’s, your family’s and your partner’s family’s.  Genetics play a big role.

· Are you current on recommended vaccinations?

Health Care Provider

· Find a regular health care provider.

· Ask about steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy—whether you’re ready or not.

 The purpose of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for  Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is to promote and maintain the  health and well-being of nutritionally at-risk pregnant,  breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children. WIC  provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition and breastfeeding  information, and referral to other health and nutrition services. WIC  promotes and supports breastfeeding.

Who is Eligible for WIC?

To be eligible for WIC benefits in Wisconsin, a person must meet the following requirements:

• be a pregnant, breastfeeding or new mother; be an infant up to age one; or be a child up to age 5; and
• be a resident of Wisconsin; and
• be income eligible; and
• have a health or nutrition need
  

Benefits Received by WIC Participants

You will receive nutrition information and counseling, learn about other services, and receive checks to buy foods such as:

These foods help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children healthy and strong. Farmer’s Market vouchers are also available during teh summer months to buy fresh fruits, egetables and hrbs at local farmers' markets.