Louisiana

Louisiana offers a variety of state-sponsored programs aimed at improving maternal, infant, and child health. They include:

1. Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal Program

LaMOMS (Louisiana Medicaid for Pregnant Women): LaMOMS provides full Medicaid coverage for pregnant women, covering services such as doctor visits, lab work, prescription medicines, delivery, and postpartum care.

CHIP Perinatal Program: Louisiana's CHIP program offers prenatal care services for pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but meet income and residency requirements.

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

The Louisiana WIC program offers nutritious food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health referrals to eligible families (pregnant women, new mothers, and young children up to age five). The program aims to promote healthy pregnancies and improve child health outcomes during critical stages of development.

1. Breastfeeding Support Programs

Louisiana offers various breastfeeding support services, including

a. Outpatient Lactation Support: The Louisiana Department of Health provides coverage for outpatient lactation support services for breastfeeding mothers.

b. Pacify App: WIC participants have access to Pacify, an app connecting them with live lactation consultants available 24/7 via video for breastfeeding support. Learn more

c. BreastfeedLA: Offers a 45-hour lactation education course covering breastfeeding management, counseling skills, and public health considerations. Learn more

1. Louisiana Home Visiting Program

Louisiana's home visiting programs offer voluntary, in-home support to families with young children, focusing on improving maternal and child health outcomes. Learn more

a. Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP): This program pairs first-time mothers with registered nurses who provide guidance on maternal health, child development, and parenting skills.

b. Parents as Teachers: is a free, evidence-based home visiting initiative designed to support pregnant women and families with children up to age 3. It aims to enhance child development, promote school readiness, and strengthen family well-being through personalized education and support.

1. Partners for Healthy Babies

This is a statewide initiative by the Louisiana Department of Health's Bureau of Family Health. It connects pregnant women and families with young children to health and pregnancy resources, services, and information. The program offers a 24/7 confidential helpline to assist with finding prenatal care, parenting support, and more. Helpline: 1-800-251-BABY (2229)

1. Family Planning Program

Louisiana's Family Planning Program, known as Take Charge Plus, provides health coverage for family planning and related services to eligible residents. Services include contraceptive methods, counseling, and screenings. The program aims to increase access to reproductive health services for individuals of childbearing age.

1. Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition

Supports and promotes breastfeeding through advocacy, education, and community outreach. The coalition provides resources, support groups, and educational materials for breastfeeding families.

1. Louisiana Tobacco Control Program

Works to reduce tobacco use among pregnant women and families to improve maternal and child health outcomes. It aims to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, offering cessation resources, supporting tobacco-free policies, and providing education on the health risks associated with tobacco use. Learn more

1. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program

Ensures that all newborns are screened for hearing loss and receive timely follow-up and intervention services. The program facilitates timely diagnosis and intervention services for infants who are deaf or hard of hearing, supporting their language and communication development. Learn more

These programs reflect Louisiana's commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children across the state.