I clearly remember the day I found out I was going to be a mom. I felt a little funny so I stopped at the Dollar General and bought a pregnancy test. In those days, I wanted so badly to have a child when I felt the slightest twinge, I'd run and grab the test. On this particular day, nothing was off - I just felt a little funny. Bada bing, bada BOOM. There it was in all its glory. My husband came in the bathroom and was like, what are you up to? Oh, um you are going to be a dad! I thought he was going to pass out.

The hours, days, and weeks that followed my discovery were a whirlwind of emotions - excitement, fear, apprehension, joy, and did I mention FEAR? I had NO clue what I was doing.

I had to learn so much about being pregnant and how to be a mom. I had to get both of my houses in order - my body and our home. And, it was a lot to take in. Looking back, I made mistakes - big ones. Some things, I just had no clue about. And, some things could have been seriously dangerous. I didn't mean to put her in a dangerous situation; I just didn't know any better.

The sad reality is that Vanderburgh County holds one of the highest records for infant mortality in the world. Seven out of ever 1,000 babies won't make it to their third birthday.  That's a scary statistic! So, the Vanderburgh County Health Department has developed a plan and a program to combat this and give infant caregivers the tools they need to raise happy, healthy kids. The new program in Vanderburgh County designed to create healthier pregnancies and decrease infant deaths. The local program, called Pre-to-3, is funded by a grant from the Indiana State Department of Health.

Pre-to-3 is a home-visiting program designed to support families during pregnancy and until the baby is 3 years old. A Community Health Worker visits the family each week and uses the Growing Great Kids curriculum to teach important skills that build a healthy home.

Some of the topics they discuss are:

  • What Happens during Pregnancy
  • Labor and Delivery
  • Feeding Baby
  • Safe Sleep
  • Physical and Emotional Development
  • And Even Playing and Connecting with your Baby
  • Resource Connection

Any pregnant woman or any person with a baby 3-months-old or younger can participate. This includes grandparents, men/fathers, same-sex couples, and single women. The person must live in Vanderburgh County.

It's completely FREE to participate and the healthcare worker comes to your home! They are not there to judge you or get after you - they are there to help you become the best parent you can be! When I was a new mom, I would have loved to have had a nice lady help me through all the bumps. My child is five, and I'd STILL welcome someone coming to help me figure out this parenting thing!

Currently, this is only available to Vanderburgh Co. residents. Call the Vanderburgh County Health Department at 812-435-5765 or text FAMILY to 99888 to sign up for this program.

oswald
oswald
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