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Keeping Healthy

It is important that you and your baby are healthy.

  • When you are pregnant, you should receive regular prenatal care. Get help finding a doctor or learn about your health care eligibility.
  • Your baby should be immunized as recommended by your baby's doctor. Vaccines protect against viruses that could harm a baby's airway and affect breathing, like whooping cough and the flu. Vaccinated babies are healthier babies. Evidence suggests that vaccination is associated with reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 50 percent. Review our resource Safe Sleep & Vaccines. For more information on immunizations, go to www.michigan.gov/immunize.
  • You should avoid alcohol and substance use during pregnancy and after birth. If you plan to use alcohol and other substances after birth, you should have someone else care for your baby. If you are need of treatment services, get help for substance misuse.
  • You should have a smoke-free environment. Review our resource Smoking & Safe Sleep. If you smoke, quitting smoking can be hard, but it is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your baby's health. Call the free Michigan Tobacco Quitline at 800-784-8669 or go to www.michigan.gov/tobacco for resources and support to help you to quit today.
  • Learn more about breastfeeding by reviewing our resource Breastfeeding & Safe Sleep and Your Guide to Breastfeeding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Community support can help with breastfeeding success. Find breastfeeding support near you.

Home visiting programs can help pregnant women and new mothers understand how to stay healthy and keep their babies healthy. Learn more about the Mother Infant Health Program or other home visiting programs.

Women, Infant, Children (WIC) Program participants receive help with nutrition education and breastfeeding support, as well as referrals to other health services. To learn more, call the WIC agency nearest you for more information or call 1-800-26-BIRTH.   You can also learn more at MDHHS's WIC Program.

You can also contact your local health department about other programs you may be eligible for.