Meskwaki Healthy Start will strive to empower pregnant and post partum women to assume greater control of their personal well being and to help them provide adequate care for their children through education and case management services.
Healthy Start is a program for women before and during pregnancy and for a baby’s first 2 years. Services are free for residents of the Meskwaki Settlement and Tama County. Healthy Start is a federally funded program whose goal is to reduce infant deaths and to help women have healthy babies. The program provides assistance with prenatal care, case management and health education classes.
Free and Confidential Services Available:
Home/Office Visits
Transportation
Referrals to local service providers
Smoking Cessation Information
Car Seat Education
SIDS Information
Stork’s Nest
Breastfeeding Classes
Educational Videos & Books
….And More!
Preterm or “Premature” Birth
Some habits may HARM your baby!
Is when your baby is born 3 weeks or more before your due date. It is best when babies are not born until some time around 40 weeks of pregnancy. The good news is there are many simple things you can do that may help prevent preterm labor.
If you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use drugs, your baby could be born with birth defects and other health problems what will last a lifetime.
Staying Healthy
Nutrition:
Eat three healthy meals a day at regular meal times
Drink 6-8 glasses of water, fruit juice or mil a day
Wear Your Seatbelt
Protect yourself. Wear your seatbelt when you travel by car, van or truck
After your baby is born, use an infant car seat when traveling
Never carry your baby in your arms while traveling
