What Is Prenatal Care?

During pregnancy, a change in your baby’s movement, whether a decrease or rapid increase, is sometimes the earliest or only indication that your baby should be checked by your health care provider. Counting the kicks and other movements of your baby is an easy way to check on your baby’s well-being. Learn more and use the free app. 

ABCs of Safe Sleep

Safe sleep focuses on three critical areas, which the American Academy of Pediatrics refers to as the ABCs of Safe Sleep. Babies sleep safest Alone, on their Backs, and in Cribs. A safe sleep environment encompasses the following:

Alone

Do not put pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, toys, soft objects, or loose bedding in a baby’s sleeping area. It is also critical to ensure strings, like window blind cords, are far out of the baby’s reach.

Backs

In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that all babies be placed on their backs to sleep. Deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) drastically declined after this recommendation. “Back to sleep” should always be followed unless under direction from your child’s pediatrician.

Cribs

Babies should never sleep in adult beds or on couches and recliners, with or without a caregiver. The Florida Department of Health's " Child Abuse Death Review Annual Report " found that a staggering 58.8% of infant sleep-related deaths in 2019 took place in an adult bed. Bed sharing is a common practice that can have tragic consequences. While some believe sleeping with their baby creates a special bond, the risk far outweighs the benefits.

Safe Sleep experts recommend keeping the child in the same room, close to the parental bed, in a crib, portable crib, or bassinet for at least the first year of life. Mattresses should be firm, and the only bedding should be a snug fitting sheet.

Beyond the ABCs of Safe Sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts recommend the following to reduce SIDS: breastfeeding, offering baby a pacifier, using portable cribs when traveling, keeping baby’s room cool, not smoking near baby, not letting baby get overheated, and ensuring caretakers follow all safe sleep rules.

Learn more about breastfeeding and resources you can connect to in your community. 

Did You Know?

Breastfeeding Tips (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9-cW8x9Kuw&t=83s   

Breastfeeding Information: https://kellymom.com/ 

Women have a right to breastfeed any place they have a right to be, public or private, even if they don’t do it discretely. (Florida Statute 383.015, 1993) 

For more information on your rights as a nursing mother. https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/pump-for-nursing-mothers-act-explainer/

Breastfeeding support through WIC Breastfeeding Program in Lee County - Florida Department of Health in Lee County

Home Visiting: Help at Home for Your Baby & Family

Florida Medicaid Maternal Support Plans 

Community Care Plan (CCP) 

Member Services: 1-866-899-4828 

Website: https://ccpcares.org/  

Additional Support Includes: 

• Prenatal support program (Before Baby & Beyond) with care and education. 

• Community resources for food, housing, and financial advice. 

Humana Healthy Horizons 

Member Services: 1-800-477-6931 

Website: https://www.humana.com/medicaid  

Additional Support Includes: 

• Home-delivered meals after birth. 

• Nutrition counseling during and after pregnancy. 

• Convertible car seat or portable crib for newborn safety. 

Simply Healthcare Plan 

Member Services: 844-406-2396 

Website: https://www.simplyhealthcareplans.com  

Additional Support Includes: 

• Housing assistance program. 

• One-time $500 housing support for eligible members. 

• Mobile crisis and peer support services. 

Sunshine Health 

Member Services: 1-866-796-0530 

Website: https://www.sunshinehealth.com  

Additional Support Includes: 

• Home-delivered meals during pregnancy. 

• Nutritional counseling and healthy eating support. 

Family Planning Waiver

Helping Florida women access family planning services.

What Is It?

The Family Planning Waiver provides family planning services to eligible women who have lost or are losing their Medicaid eligibility. This program is designed to help women maintain access to essential family planning services for up to 24 months.

Who Is Eligible?

Women who meet all of the following criteria: 

• Age 14 through 55
• Low-income (at or below 191% of the Federal Poverty Level)
• Lost or are losing Florida Medicaid
• Have no medical insurance covering family planning services
  • Includes beneficiaries who have lost Medicaid managed care coverage

What Is the Medicaid Timeline After Pregnancy?

• Women remain eligible for full Medicaid postpartum coverage for 12 months after the end of their pregnancy. 
• After the 12-month postpartum coverage ends, women who no longer qualify for full Medicaid are automatically considered for the Florida Medicaid Family Planning Waiver (FPW). 
• No action is required during the first 12 months of Family Planning services.
• To continue receiving an additional 12 months of family planning services, women must reapply with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). 

Services Covered

• Initial or annual family planning exams
• Family planning counseling visits
• Supply visits for birth control
• Various methods of birth control
• Family planning laboratory tests
• Family planning-related pharmaceuticals
• STD treatment and follow-up
• Approved sterilization
• Colposcopies 

Services Not Covered

• Emergency room visits
• Inpatient services
• All other non-family planning-related services 

To Learn More

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Phone: (850) 300-4323
Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771 Healthy Start Coalition
Website: www.flhomevisiting.org Connect Families + Resources

Doula Support

A doula is a non-medical professional trained to provide physical, emotional, and evidence-based support and education to a family before, during, and after birth.

Doula Support Includes

• Preparing you mentally and emotionally for childbirth.
• Information on your birth options and choices, and an explanation of medical procedures.
• Providing physical support during labor, such as helping with posture and movement, and coaching through relaxation and breathing exercises.
• Advocacy to support you in your right to make decisions about your body and your baby.
• Helping people feel a sense of pride and empowerment after the birth.

Benefits of Having a Doula

• Increased vaginal births
• Less use of pain medications during labor
• Shorter labor times
• Increased breastfeeding success
• Reduced anxiety and stress for the pregnant woman

If You Are Interested in Working with a Doula, Consider These Options

1. Contact your insurance or Medicaid health plan for a referral to a certified doula.
2. Contact the Doula Network and choose a doula through their website, or connect with a doula in your community.
3. If your local Healthy Start Coalition has a Healthy Start Doula program, you can be referred to a certified Healthy Start Doula.

Contact your local Healthy Start Coalition by visiting:
www.healthystartflorida.com (239)425-6920

Dental Support

Get a dental check-up
before delivery.

Dental Health During Pregnancy
• It is very important to take care of your teeth and gums
during pregnancy.
• Visit the dentist for routine care and any needed treatment.
• Pregnancy causes changes that may increase your chances
of gum disease.
• Some studies show a link between gum disease and
premature birth or low birth weight babies.

Protect Your Dental Health
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks.
• Schedule a check-up today and be sure to let your dentist
know that you are pregnant.
Morning Sickness Can Increase  The Risk Of Tooth Decay
• Rinse your mouth with water immediately after being
sick or brush your teeth to reduce the amount of acid in
your mouth.
Healthy Mom + Healthy Baby
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products, and avoid
second-hand smoke.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not use recreational drugs, such as cannabis (marijuana).

Contact your local Healthy Start at (239)425-6920
Coalition by visiting
www.flhomevisiting.org

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) provides eligible participants with an EBT card for supplemental foods, nutrition assessment, nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and other social services. WIC is FREE and eligibility is based on a financial and nutritional screening.

Find Out If You're Eligible

Collier County
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3339 Tamiami Trail East Bldg. H
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 252-8208

419 North First St.
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone: (239) 252-7310

Bonita Springs
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
28420 Bonita Crossings Blvd. Bldg. A
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: (239) 344-2000

Fort Myers
7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3920 Michigan Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33971
Phone: (239) 344-2000

Lehigh
7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5624 8th Street West, Suite 106
Fort Myers, FL 33971
Phone: (239) 344-2000

North Fort Myers
7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
83 Pondella Road
North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: (239) 344-2000

Hendry/Glades
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1140 Pratt Boulevard
LaBelle, FL 33935
Phone: (863) 674-4041

Moore Haven
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1021 Health Park Circle
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Phone: (863) 946-0707

Clewiston
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1100 Olympia Street
Clewiston, FL 33440
Phone: (863) 983-1494

Make every ride in your vehicle a safe ride for your child. Making little adjustments can make a big difference in safety. Please call (239)343-6199 to find a car seat tech or distribution site near you. 

Learn More:

• Register for FREE car seat education: www.SafeKidsSWFL.org 

• Car seat safety information: https://www.safekids.org/car-seat 

• Register your car seat: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats#registration  

• Check for car seat recalls: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#car-seats 

It is normal for babies to cry a lot and it can be difficult to manage the stress when you can’t help them to stop. Learn ways to help you cope with their crying with safe and helpful strategies.

Coping With Crying

FREE parenting classes in multiple languages delivered in our four-county region. 

Children’s Advocacy Center
Parenting Classes (Referral required)
Lee, Hendry, Glades: (239) 939-2808 
Collier: (239) 263-8383 ext. 235 

Community Pregnancy Clinics
Childbirth and Parenting Classes 
Naples: (239) 262-6381 
Fort Myers: (239) 689-1543 

Florida Department of Health – Collier County
Spanish Childbirth Classes: (239) 252-6068 
Creole Parenting Classes: (239) 252-8217 

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
Parenting Courses – Lee and Hendry counties 
(239) 343-6468 

Hanley Foundation
Parenting Courses (English and Spanish) 
(561) 268-2355 

Pregnancy Resource Center
Childbirth and Parenting Classes 
Naples: (239) 280-5523 

Verity Pregnancy Resource Center
Childbirth and Parenting Classes
Fort Myers: (239) 433-1929 

Florida Department of Children and Families’ Positive Parenting Guide 

Water safety for babies and children is critical, especially in Florida where we have pools, the ocean, bathtubs, and many other bodies of water. It’s important to know how you can protect your family from drowning.  

The Swim Lesson Voucher Program (Senate Bill 544) was recently approved. The effective date of the program is  July 1, 2024. More information will be posted as available on this website.

Every second counts around water.

Children and Families:

• Start water familiarization early, but never assume a child is "drown-proof."
• Keep toddlers within arm's reach.
• Remove toys from pools when not in use.
• Enroll children, especially those with autism or other special needs, in certified swim lessons.

Older Adults:

• Swim only in supervised areas with a buddy.
• Check medical and mobility conditions before entering water.
• Use life jackets in open water.

Persons with Disabilities:

• Choose adaptive swim programs led by trained instructors.
• Use tactile or visual markers for safety zones.
• Provide consistent supervision and individualized emergency plans.

Faculties and Caregivers:

• Train all staff in CPR and rescue skills.
• Maintain alarms and pool fencing.
• Conduct regular safety drills and checks.

The Maternal Health Resource Guide was created by our Maternal Health Workgroup to connect families in Southwest Florida with the services and support they need throughout pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and early parenting. This comprehensive guide brings together a wide range of local resources, including healthcare providers, community programs, educational services, mental health support, family assistance programs, and other essential services.