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Mississippi

Pregnancy, birth and the first year in Mississippi, in 14 topics: from who runs maternal and child health to what happens at your newborn's screening.

State Maternal and Child Health Programs

Mississippi offers a range of state programs and initiatives to enhance perinatal care and support maternal and infant health. Below is a comprehensive overview of these programs:

  1. Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Mississippi Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income pregnant women during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. Services covered include prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Children born to Medicaid-eligible mothers automatically receive benefits for one year. Learn more

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

The Mississippi WIC Program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy foods to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. The program aims to improve health outcomes by providing essential nutrients during critical stages of development. Learn more

  1. Breastfeeding Support Programs

The Mississippi State Department of Health provides breastfeeding resources, including planning guides, benefits information, and assistance for successful breastfeeding. Additionally, the Mississippi Breastfeeding Coalition offers free peer support groups facilitated by certified lactation professionals. Learn more

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

The IHS Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program aims to increase access to safe, quality care for American Indian/Alaska Native pregnant women and children. It provides resources and clinical guidelines to support maternal and child health. Learn more

  1. Mississippi Home Visiting Programs

a. Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies of Mississippi: This program offers care management and home visiting services for expectant mothers and infants at risk for health problems. It provides enhanced access to health care, nutritional and psychosocial support, home visits, and health education. Learn more

b. Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
The Nurse-Family Partnership is a free program that connects first-time mothers with registered nurses who provide guidance on maternal health, child development, and parenting skills.

  1. Mississippi Perinatal Services

Mississippi Perinatal provides high-quality maternal-fetal care through evidence-based practices. They assist OB/GYN providers with the management of high-risk pregnancies to improve pregnancy outcomes and access to maternity services in the state.
Learn more

  1. Local Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Coalitions:

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies of Mississippi collaborates with families and communities to provide a safe birthing experience and healthy infant development. The program offers care management and home visiting services for expectant moms and infants at risk for health problems. Learn more

These programs collectively strive to enhance perinatal care and support for mothers and infants throughout Mississippi.

Looking for an organization near you in Mississippi?

Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.