Healthy Beginnings Quick Facts . . .
- In 2006, 94% of the mothers who partnered with a prenatal case manager in the Healthy Beginnings program delivered a baby with a healthy weight outcome.
- In addition, all participants enrolled in the program either stopped smoking or significantly reduced their smoking while pregnant.
- Nursing staff also provided 106 educational consultations.
Healthy Beginnings Links . . .
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Healthy Beginnings
Program Overview Services Eligibility Staff Office Hours
Program Overview . . .
Healthy Beginnings' goal is to encourage healthy behavior for mothers in order to deliver healthy babies. A case manager follows the mother's health care monthly throughout her pregnancy
and provides two follow-up visits after her baby is delivered.
Services . . .
Healthy Beginnings provides the following services:
- Pregnancy testing
- Information and referrals
- Education on a variety of subjects, including:
~ Harmful effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco to both mother and infant
~ Gestational diabetes
~ Prenatal care
~ Delivery
~ Nutrition
~ Healthy lifestyles
~ Breastfeeding
~ Hypertension
~ Parenting
Recently Newborns in Need has partnered with Healthy Beginnings to provide clients with blankets, bibs, sleepers, hats and other clothing. These
items are handmade by dedicated volunteers.
In addition, the Binnie Clements Guild at First and Calvary Church in Springfield hosts an annual baby shower for Health Beginnings clients.
These caring ladies provide a wonderful array of needed items such as clothing, diapers and bedding.
Through the Safe Crib Project of Springfield eligible families can receive a free crib and mattress. Eligibility is based on income and risk factors. To make a referral, or receive more information,
call (417) 864-1815.
Eligibility . . .
In order to qualify for the Healthy Beginnings program, a client must
- Have a laboratory confirmed positive pregnancy test.
- Live in Greene County
- Be eligible for Medicaid.
- Have at least one risk factor.
Staff . . .
Click on a staff member's name to learn more about them.
Office Hours . . .
The Healthy Beginnings Office is located at 227 East Chestnut Expressway and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Please call (417) 864-1687 for more information.
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When Christina entered the Healthy Beginnings program, she said, "I probably can't
quit smoking, but I will try to cut down."
After tobacco education and support to quit, Christina was smoke free by her fourth month of pregnancy.
Christina says, "I couldn't have done it without my prenatal case manager's help and encouragement. I feel better about myself and am proud of what I am doing for my baby."
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