Learning that you are pregnant can be a joyful experience, but if it’s your first baby, it can also be a little scary. However, whether this is your first child or your next child, doing everything you can to stay healthy while you are pregnant, and caring for your baby as they grow quickly from newborn to kindergartner is important. There is help available for all pregnant moms, including some programs that will come right to your home to support and guide you.
Seven of Michigan’s Home Visiting programs work with moms and families during their pregnancy: Maternal Infant Health Program, Early Head Start, Infant Mental Health, Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families America, Parents as Teachers, and Family Spirit.
These are free programs that start during your pregnancy and continue on after your child is born. They give you and your family extra support and training for a healthy pregnancy and to give your baby a good start on life. They provide nurses, educators and social workers who will meet with you in your home or at a location that is comfortable for you.
All programs are provided at no cost for qualified families.
To learn more about the benefits of Home Visiting programs and how they work, visit the Home Visiting Programs page.
Each program has its own application process. You may need to submit an application form with your information. Go to the Michigan Home Visiting page to find all the details for each program.
WIC is designed to help moms-to-be have positive pregnancy outcomes through good health and nutrition. It provides nutrition education, food, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care for moms with children from prenatal through age five.
Get info on delivery planning, childbirth classes, what to put in your hospital readiness bag, what to do when you bring baby home, breastfeeding and more.
Learn the key elements for a healthy pregnancy, including healthy eating, seeing your doctor, tips for the health of you and your baby, and more.
Find out what you can do to stay healthy during pregnancy with tips from the Center for Disease Control.
If you need financial assistance, you can apply at MiBridges. Get help with cash, food, housing, and child care assistance.
Early learning starts right after birth. Learn simple steps you can do right from the beginning, like talking, reading, singing, playing, and interacting daily.
Get advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including some guidelines to help you with the most important of your preparations for baby.
