Prenatal services are available to all medicaid patients and those who meet income requirements. Patients must also be a Wilson County resident. Clinics scheduled by appointments only. Monday (a.m. only) Tuesday (a.m. and p.m. clinics) Wednesday (a.m. only) *Prenatal clinics are staffed by registered nurses. A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is also available. An OB-GYN physician is available on Tuesdays only in the p.m. (Also referred as needed.) SERVICES OFFERED: Physical examination: Complete physical initially done by physician (includes pap smear) Limited physical exam each visit by registered nurse of Family Nurse Practitioner (includes abdominal measurement, fetal heart count, and fetal position evaluation.) Blood pressure, weight, and lab tests each visit. Education: Prenatal classes (topics include physical catering, infant nutrition, injury prevention, growth and development, parent needs, and child health. Lamaze classes (held in the health department) Baby Love Program (Baby Bucks Program - a reward system for prenatal patients. Nutrition Diet is evaluated by nutritionists Counseling to help with proper weight gain during pregnancy High risk diet counseling if needed WIC services Referrals (As needed): Ultrasound is done for determination of due date and fetal analysis. (Done at local OB-GYN Clinic) Follow-up is done on any abnormality as recommended by current attending physician. Home Visits: Registered Nurse and/or Social Worker will make periodic home visits as needed. Also see postpartum home visits. OUR OVERALL GOAL IS TO PROVIDE QUALITY PRENATAL CARE TO ALL PATIENTS, AND TO HELP ENSURE THE HEALTHIEST PREGNANCY POSSIBLE FOR THE DELIVERY OF A HEALTHY NEW BABY. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (252) 237-3141.   POSTPARTUM-NEWBORN HOME VISITING Infant mortality and morbidity is a continuous problem in all counties of North Carolina including Wilson County. Factors contributing to this problem are: teen pregnancy poor nutrition smoking substance abuse lack of prenatal care abuse and neglect. Postpartum-Newborn visiting is used as a part of the preventive health care system to reduce infant mortality and morbidity. Services offered by Wilson County Health Department and provided by a qualified Registered Nurse. Services are available to: Those attending the Maternity Program at the Wilson County Health Department. Those enrolled in the Baby Love (Medicaid) Program. High risk individuals referred by physicians or hospitals. Post Partum Visits include: Assessing and monitoring maternal physical and emotional recovery. Teaching the mother to care for the physical and emotional changes which occur during the postpartum period. Assessing and monitoring newborn physical, behavioral and nutritional status. Assisting with the initiation of breast feeding and providing support to promote its success. Fostering positive parent/infant relationships. Teaching about the needs and care of the newborn and siblings. Coordinating care among the family's health care providers and community resources. Visits are provided in the client's home and scheduled at their convenience. A single visit is provided with an option for subsequent visits if found to be needed after assessment by the nurse. Statistical Information for Wilson County and North Carolina 1996: 12 infant deaths per 1,035 live births in Wilson County. 962 infant deaths per 104,428 live births in North Carolina. For further information on postpartum-newborn home visiting call Kathy Luper, RN at Wilson County Health Department (919-237-3141). BABY LOVE PROGRAM Baby Love is a statewide medical assistance program sponsored by the state of North Carolina and local health departments. The goal is to reduce the number of babies who die each year before their first birthday. Baby Love can help a woman and her unborn baby meet needs that affect their health and well-being. Who can Participate? All pregnant women can participate in Baby Love Program. Women are encouraged to apply for a special type of Medicaid that pays for prenatal care. What are the Baby Love Services? Maternity Care Coordination: a social worker will contact you on a monthly basis to assist you in meeting special needs, such as transportation, housing, heat, education, and child care. The Maternity Care Coordinator will continue to visit up to two months after the baby is born. Parenting Classes: in addition to prenatal information received during clinic appointments, parenting classes are held at the health department which cover the following topics: infant feeding, general baby care, growth and development, caring for a sick infant, injury prevention, and parents' needs. Baby Bucks Store: you earn Baby Bucks for attending prenatal visits, going to parenting class, keeping appointments with your social worker, etc. These 'bucks' can be traded in for baby care items and clothing. Lamaze: these classes teach you and your partner what to expect during labor and delivery and how you can make the birth of your baby a more positive experience. The classes are held once a week for 6 weeks. You should attend Lamaze during the last trimester of your pregnancy. Maternal Outreach Program Services: pregnant women who receive Medicaid, begin receiving prenatal care prior to 28 weeks of pregnancy, enrolled in Baby Love or Child Service Coordination can receive services up to the child's first birthday. Working one-on-one, a Maternal Outreach Worker will help the mother and child improve health habits and lifestyle and refer them to appropriate health care and social service resources.