The Sentara Mother/Baby Care Program is designed to decrease infant mortality rates and prematurity. All-inclusive services are offered for eligible mothers during pregnancy and for 60 days after delivery. Babies are eligible until they are two years old. Services are covered by Optima Family Care, Virginia Premier and Virginia Medicaid.
The program is a collaborative effort between the referring physician; the program director; nurses specialized in OB, pediatrics and community health; social workers trained in recognizing psychosocial issues and referring to appropriate community resources; and a certified lactation consultant.
The program also provides:
Prenatal education and support
Access to classes to prepare for labor and delivery, parenting and nutrition and smoking cessation, as well as substance abuse counseling.
Access to car seats and layettes
Assistance obtaining WIC, Medicaid, and infant Social Security numbers
Breastfeeding education and support
Assistance obtaining a pediatrician, maintaining well-baby checkups and immunizations
Grief counseling
Nutritional counseling
Referrals to community resources