CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper-Natrona County Health Department’s Maternal & Child Health program began partnering with “Healthy Moms-Healthy Births” in July 2018.
New grant funding provided by the Wyoming Community Foundation aims to boost the reach of this program. The grant was given at the recommendation of the WCF’s local Casper area board.
“These programs that support pregnant women and families with children up to age three are proven to increase their chances of healthy births, successful parenting, and economic self-sufficiency, among other positive outcomes,” the health department says.
The partnership began its second year with the goal of doubling the number of mothers and babies it supports.
“‘We are so grateful to the Wyoming Community Foundation’s Casper Area Board for seeing the value in public organizations and charities working together to make the most difference for the least cost,’ says Healthy Moms-Healthy Births’ Director Aimee Jolley.'”
The health department reaches out to all moms in Natrona County.
“‘We reach out to all new mothers to offer one of our programs: Best Beginnings and Nurse Family Partnership,'” Heather Huber, R.N., said. “‘These can be tailored to meet each family’s individual needs to get them off to a great start as they learn about caring for their newborn.'”
“‘One of our goals is to increase the number of women we see during early pregnancy to provide support and guidance to supplement their prenatal care.'”
All of the program’s registered nurses are also certified lactation counselors and can educate mothers in this area.
“‘This includes during pregnancy and through all stages of breastfeeding. Having a baby is a major life-changing event,'” Huber adds. “‘Babies don’t come with an owner’s manual, so this is the next best thing.'”
The nonprofit Healthy Moms-Healthy Births was founded by the Kinskey Family Foundation in 2015.
They “work hard to maximize the health outcomes of babies and their moms by intervening as early as possible in a pregnancy to prevent lifelong health and developmental problems, and to support the mom’s through this very important time in their and their child’s lives.”
