Illinois

State Program Focused on Perinatal Care in Illinois

1. Illinois Breastfeeding Program

The Illinois Breastfeeding Program aims to improve the health of mothers and infants by promoting breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. It offers education, support, and resources to both healthcare providers and families. The program also includes initiatives like the “Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Program” and “Breastfeeding-Friendly Health Care Facilities” to ensure supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers.

1. Illinois WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

The Illinois WIC program offers nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and health education for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. It also provides referrals to other healthcare and social services to ensure families have access to the resources they need for optimal health.

1. Home Visiting Programs:

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program in Illinois provides evidence-based home visiting services to expectant parents and families with children up to kindergarten entry age. This program serves communities at high risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes. Key home visiting models in Illinois include:

• Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP): This program supports first-time mothers through pregnancy and early parenting years, providing education, resources, and guidance on child health, development, and maternal well-being.
• Healthy Families Illinois (HFI): A statewide home visiting program offering voluntary services to families at risk of poor maternal and child health outcomes, focusing on promoting healthy pregnancies and child development.

1. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Maternal and Child Health Program:

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Maternal and Child Health Program is focused on increasing access to safe, quality care for pregnant individuals and children throughout the state. The program guides maternal and child health care, collaborates with healthcare providers, and supports public health initiatives to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for mothers and infants.

1. Indian Health Service (IHS) Maternal and Child Health Program

The IHS Maternal and Child Health Program supports American Indian and Alaska Native populations in Illinois by increasing access to safe and quality healthcare. The program offers resources, clinical guidelines, and community outreach to ensure that maternal and child health services are accessible and effective for Indigenous families.