Stork Support

The Lafayette County Health Department cherishes new family additions! Our goal is to promote, support and improve the health of our new residents. To help us meet that goal, we have many services available for new and growing families. We want to be a resource you seek to ask questions and get reassurance that you and your new little one are doing well.

Prenatal Care Corrdination (PNCC)
PNCC is a Medical Assistance funded program benefit that promotes Prenatal Care and provides education and counseling on

• Nutrition
• Life Style
• Labor & Delivery
• Breastfeeding
  

PNCC also provides resources and support for things such as:

• Locating child care
• Dealing with family or emotional problems
• Coping with alcohol or other drug abuse
• Dealing with other problems as they come up
• Promotes increased birth weight
• Promotes healthy pregnancy
  

The nurse will also answer questions such as:

• When should I go to the doctor?
• How will I get to the doctor?
• What will labor and delivery be like?
• Should I breast feed my baby?
• What community services are available to me and my baby?
  

Materal Child Heath (MCH)
A post partum visit is available to all new moms through the MCH Program

At the visit moms and babies will receive:

• Information of services available
• Resources regarding WIC
• Immunizations
• Advice of Infant care and feeding
• Information regarding mom’s care
  

Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)
If you have a child with special needs, the public health nurses offer:

• Education
• Support
• Referrals
• Advocacy for services needed
  

Families First/ New Beginnings
This home program focuses on developing relations early to promote family strength and stability. Families First New Beginnings offers education and support to families planning to give birth at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County. This program features a friendly home visitor, and begins before birth and continues until the baby’s first birthday. All families are given the opportunity to meet with the Family Home Visitors during pregnancy. The Family Home Visitors are a nurse from the hospital and a nurse from the Health Department. The Home Visitors will visit the new mom while recovering from the birthing process, present gifts and provide supportive information. Once settled at home, the Home visitor will present additional educational materials, offer support, and answer any questions that may arise during those first few days at home. After this point, the Home Visitor will be in contact regularly to discuss milestones, normal growth and development, and give informative newsletters appropriate for the age of the infant.

Breast Pump Rental
The Health Department has breast pumps for “rent” for new moms. The rental fee is $60 for a 4 month period. The pumps are hospital-grade pumps that ensure the best results possible for nursing mothers.

Water Test Kits
Pregnant women and households with a child less than 11 months of age are able to have their drinking water tested free of charge through the health department. Test kits and instructions are available at our office.

For more information about any of our “Stork Support” Services, please call (608) 776-4895 or stop by our office Monday-Friday between 8-4:30. We are located at 729 Clay Street in Darlington. (Behind the Family Health Clinic)

Women, Infant and Children
In alliance with SWCAP, the Health Department offers access to the Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program.
SWCAP serves Crawford, Iowa, Richland & Lafayette Counties.

Services Include:

• Monthly checks for food, including milk, juice, cheese, infant formula, eggs, peanut butter or dry beans & cereal
• Coupons for fresh produce at Farmer's Markets (in season)
• Practical tips on feeding infants & small children, including healthy eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding support
• Help getting immunizations for children and referrals to doctors & dentists.

Eligibility
Pregnant Women, new mothers, and infants or children under 5 years old who meet the income guidelines are eligible.