One of the best ways a woman can ensure her health and the health of her baby during pregnancy is by receiving prenatal care.
That’s why Baltimore Washington Medical Center has partnered with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the March of Dimes and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Rho Eta chapter to offer the county’s first Stork’s Nest – a national, incentive-based prenatal education program that helps keep pregnant women and their babies healthy while fighting infant mortality.
Stork’s Nest is made up of six-class sessions, focusing on everything from nutrition, exercise and stress in pregnancy to how to bathe and diaper a newborn. Participants receive points for each class they attend, as well as physician visits and healthy behaviors. Participants can then use those points to purchase baby items at BWMC’s outreach center in Arundel Mills, including infant clothing, strollers, car seats, diapers, feeding supplies, portable cribs and first aid supplies.
Women can continue to earn points after their babies are born by taking them to well baby check-ups and making sure they receive immunizations on time. Participants can use the points until their babies are one year old.
Any pregnant woman in Anne Arundel County is eligible to participate in Stork’s Nest, but the program’s emphasis is on engaging pregnant women who do not receive regular prenatal care and are at an elevated risk for having a low birth weight or premature birth – potential causes of infant mortality.
Women who are interested in the program can be referred by their prenatal providers. Or, they can call Kim Davidson, program coordinator, directly at 410-787-4366
