Kalusugan ng Ina at Bata

Maternal Health Support Program

Thanks to funding from the Virginia General Assembly, we are proud to offer expanded maternal health services to support individuals and families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Our program includes:

access to Community Health Workers (CHWs)
Doula services
providing compassionate
personalized care to help improve health outcomes
and ensuring every family feels supported

Maternal health remains a critical issue in Virginia. Between 2019–2023, there were 34.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and many of these deaths are considered preventable. Significant disparities also exist—Black women in Virginia are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women.

Access to care is another challenge. In Virginia, 31% of counties are considered maternity care deserts, meaning limited or no access to maternity services. If you want to learn more about Maternal Health data in Virginia, see the VDH Maternal Health Dashboard here: VDH Maternal Health Dashboard

Programs like CHWs and doulas play an important role in closing these gaps by providing support, education, and connection to care.

In addition to CHW and doula services, we also offer:

Safe sleep education to help reduce the risk of infant sleep-related deaths
Car seat education and installation classes to ensure children travel safely
Childbirth classes to prepare families for labor and delivery
Moms Under Pressure to monitor and manage blood pressure

Who can access these services? These services are available to:

· Pregnant individuals

· Postpartum individuals (up to 12 months after birth, or as defined by program guidelines)

· Families with young children who meet eligibility requirements for specific programs (such as car seat and safe sleep services)

· Individuals who meet income or program eligibility criteria when applicable

We strive to serve diverse communities and reduce barriers to care, including for those who may be uninsured or underinsured.

If you’re interested in receiving services or learning more, please visit: Maternal & Child Health Interest Form – RedCap

Mga Madalas na Itinatanong

What is a Community Health Worker (CHW)?

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trained professional who supports individuals by connecting them to healthcare services, community resources, and education.

CHWs often come from the communities they serve, making them uniquely positioned to provide culturally appropriate support, advocacy, and guidance throughout pregnancy and beyond.

What does a CHW do in maternal health?

CHWs help with things like:

Navigating healthcare systems and appointments
Connecting families to resources (housing, food, insurance, etc.)
Providing health education
Offering emotional support and advocacy

Ano ang doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not provide medical care but work alongside healthcare providers to ensure the birthing person feels informed, respected, and supported.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

Research shows that doula support can:

· Improve birth experiences

· Reduce stress and anxiety

· Support better communication with healthcare providers

· Increase confidence during pregnancy and childbirth

Why is maternal health important?

Maternal health impacts the well-being of both the parent and baby. In Virginia:

· Nearly 10% of births are preterm, which can lead to long-term health challenges

· Many pregnancy-related deaths occur weeks to months after delivery, highlighting the need for continued support beyond birth

· Some communities experience higher rates of late or no prenatal care, increasing health risks

With the right support systems in place—like CHWs and doulas—many of these outcomes can be improved.

Car Seat Classes

The Statewide Safety Seat Program is a statewide child safety distribution and education program offered free of charge to eligible families. Safety restraint devices provided include a convertible safety seat with a starting weight of 5 pounds and a belt-positioning booster seat.

General criteria for eligibility:

• A resident of Virginia — citizenship not required.

• The legal parent or guardian of the child (third trimester through seven years).

• Meets income eligibility to WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, FAMIS or LISSDEP Income Level Guidelines.

• Child must fit within the program’s devices; set by manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Parent or legal guardian must complete training in correct seat use and installation.

• Sign a waiver of liability release.

If you’re interested in the Car Seat Program, please submit an application at Car Seat Application Form – RedCap

Safe Sleep Crib Program

Safe sleep practices help protect infants during their most vulnerable months. We provide education and guidance to ensure families understand how to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths.

· Participants are screened for eligibility to receive a free pack and play, helping ensure every baby has a safe, appropriate sleep environment at home.

For general questions or more information about the Safe Sleep Program, call our Maternal Community Health Worker Marilyn at 434-408-1447 or email us at piedmont.maternalchw@vdh.virginia.gov.

Ligtas na Mga Link sa Pagtulog:

Para sa mga magulang: The Safe Sleep Academy from Cribs for Kids has short videos on a range of sleep topics, including baby safety and what to expect from your baby’s ages and stages.
For parents and providers: Learn more about SIDS/SUID, access free patient education materials in a variety of languages and formats.

If you’re interested in the Safe Sleep program, please submit an application at Safe Sleep Application Form – RedCap

Childbirth Classes

Our classes provide practical, evidence-based education in a supportive environment. Families learn what to expect during labor, how to cope with contractions, and how to make informed decisions about their care.

Participants also benefit from:

· Hands-on practice with comfort techniques

· Partner involvement and support strategies

Mga Nanay sa Panggigipit

Moms Under Pressure is a program focused on monitoring and managing blood pressure during pregnancy and the postpartum period to help prevent complications such as hypertension and preeclampsia.

Participants receive:

· A blood pressure cuff kit to monitor blood pressure at home

· Education on warning signs of high blood pressure and related conditions

· Guidance on when to seek medical care

· Support from Community Health Workers to stay on track with monitoring and appointments

How do I get started? Getting started is easy! Visit the link below to learn more or sign up: Maternal & Child Health Interest Form