Mountain States Early Head Start
Infant to Toddler Program of the Mountain States Group, Inc.

PRENATAL SERVICES

Being pregnant and preparing for the birth of a new baby is a very exciting time! There are also many questions and concerns new parents have! Information and support from a caring EHS Family Consultant can make a huge difference. Expectant mothers can enroll in EHS at any time during their pregnancy and after the baby is born the child will continue receiving services through the Home Based option.

Overall objectives for prenatal services include family development, mother's needs, caring for baby and baby's development. Goals of services provided are:

• To prepare for parenthood
• To help expectant families deal with the multitude of physical and emotional changes pregnancy brings
• To enhance their self esteem and life goals
• To identify early signs of problems
• To inspire pregnant women to have a healthy lifestyle and, ultimately, a healthy baby
• To foster a strong bond between both parents and their unborn child

Home visits for women during the prenatal period are usually provided weekly for about 45 minutes. Fathers are encouraged to participate also. A home visit with the EHS Health Specialist is provided within two weeks of the baby's birth, to make sure things are going well for mom and baby and answer questions the family may have. The Health Specialist can also visit before birth, if desired.

Screening and discussions completed with the expectant mother include: prenatal nutrition, prenatal health appraisal and oral health. Discussions include fetal development, breastfeeding, substance use, tobacco cessation, labor and delivery, lead exposure, and postpartum depression. An individualized prenatal portfolio is developed with the mother and may include information and activities, photos, a birth plan and pregnancy goals. A variety of resources and activities are used for prenatal services.