The Maternal Health programs at Talbot County Health Department (TCHD) strive to promote equitable access to health care and other resources needed to create healthy moms, healthy babies, and healthy families. Assistance, based on family’s needs, is available by phone, at the Health Department, or by home visit. Eligible families can receive help locating community services, obtain information on health, safety, and child development, and receive assistance accessing medical care and services. TCHD aims to empower the community and promote reproductive justice throughout all phases of family planning.

The goal of preconception health is to help women and men become the healthiest version of themselves during their reproductive years. Preconception care is an individualized approach to learning about your risk factors, preparing your body, and getting chronic health conditions under control. Preconception health is beneficial to everyone, not just those who are planning a pregnancy.

I want to prepare for pregnancy:

Deciding to start a family can be an exciting time and there are many steps you can take to prepare yourself for pregnancy and parenthood. It is important to discuss your medical conditions, medications, vaccinations, and lifestyle choices with your doctor prior to becoming pregnant. This can help improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, and ultimately, a healthy baby!

Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using other substances can have harmful effects on an unborn baby and quitting before pregnancy can greatly improve your baby’s health. Quitting is hard, you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling with cigarettes, alcohol, or substance use, check out the resources below.

I don’t want to have a baby:

Not ready to be a parent? Not ready to have another baby? That is part of preconception health, too! There are many ways, from natural to medical, that give you the power to choose if and when you have a baby. Talbot County Health Department offers condoms and pregnancy testing free of charge and encourages all of its constituents to take control of their reproductive health. Emergency contraception (Plan B) is available to those who are eligible. Learn about your options and decide which one is right for you.

Prenatal care is the care you get from a doctor, nurse, or midwife throughout your pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy. You should seek prenatal care as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Your provider will monitor your baby’s development and do routine testing to help detect and prevent possible problems. These appointments are also a great time to learn and ask questions about your pregnancy and birth of your baby.

Resources

Pregnancy Support

If you feel like you could use some additional support during your pregnancy, or more resources and education about parenting, Talbot County has several programs that may be able to help.

The postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” is the time after birth when your body is returning to its pre-pregnancy state. Many birthing people face physical and mental challenges as their body heals and they adjust to their new baby. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends contact with your health provider within three weeks of delivery and a comprehensive postpartum check-up within 12 weeks. These visits are a great time to discuss your healing process, ask questions, and inquire about birth control.

Postpartum Depression

Many women experience “Baby Blues,” periods of weepiness and feelings of being overwhelmed in the first few weeks after delivery. This is due to large fluctuations in hormone levels a mother’s body experiences after childbirth. However, if you have strong feelings of sadness, emptiness, or anxiety, have trouble bonding with your baby, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression affects as many as 1 in 7 women and even 1 in 10 men following the birth of a new baby. If you are feeling this way, you don’t have to face it alone. Finding a support group, starting counseling, or being prescribed medication can help.

 Breastfeeding/Lactation

As a new or expecting parent, you may have heard about the benefits of breastfeeding. Breast milk is filled with nutrients and antibodies specific to your baby and can be easier for them to digest than infant formula. You may find that breastfeeding can reduce stress, save time and money, as well as serve as an organic way to bond with your baby. However, creating and maintaining a successful breastfeeding relationship with your newborn can be difficult and no two family’s journeys are the same. Finding support in your community or seeking professional assistance can help you achieve your lactation goals.

Carol Leonard offers outpatient lactation consultations, free of charge, to members of the Mid Shore community, regardless of whether they delivered in Easton, Salisbury or Annapolis. For more information, call 410-822-1000 extension 5535. 

Caring for yourself and your baby doesn’t end after you come home from your 6-week postpartum checkup. Parenting is a lifelong commitment to promote the health and wellbeing of your child. Your baby needs regular health check screenings with their pediatrician, a series of important childhood vaccinations, and a safe place to sleep, play, and ride in the car. Additionally, continuing to see a primary care provider for routine checkups, management of chronic health conditions, and critical cancer screenings is a key part of maintaining a healthy family. Whether or not you are planning on having more children, learning about, and selecting the right birth control option is an important part of your reproductive health.

Safe Sleep

Every year, thousands of babies die suddenly and unexpectedly, termed Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). These deaths occur in children younger than one year old and include all unexpected deaths: those without a clear cause, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and those from a known cause, such as suffocation. Sleep is often one of the first challenges families face when welcoming a new baby, but creating and utilizing a safe sleep environment lowers the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. Check out the resources below to learn how your baby can sleep safely so that you can sleep soundly.

Car Seat Safety

7 out of 10 child safety seats are not installed correctly. The best way to keep your child safe in the car is to use the right car seat in the right way. To have a certified child passenger safety technician check your safety seat for proper installation and use, contact your local law enforcement agency to schedule a free appointment.

In Talbot County call:
Easton Police Department: 410-822-1111
Maryland State Police (Easton Barracks): 410-822-3101 or Cpl Keith Johnson: 410-819-4747
Talbot County Sheriff’s Office: 410-822-1020

You may also visit: Safe Kids Maryland

More information is available: 1-800-370-SEAT, the Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (KISS)

Cómo encontrar un Técnico en Asientos de Seguridad para los Niños que van de Pasajeros Recuerde, 7 de cada 10 asientos de seguridad para niños no están instalados correctamente!

Para tener un técnico certificado en asientos de seguridad para los niños que chequee la instalación apropiada y el uso correcto del asiento de seguridad de su niño. Póngase en contacto con la oficina de la policía local para programar una cita gratuita.

En el Condado de Talbot Llamar a:
La Estación de Policía de Easton @ 410-822-1111
Estación de Policía de Estado de Maryland (Easton Barracks) @ 410-822-3101 o Cpl Keith Johnson @ 410-819-4747
Oficina del Sheriff en el Condado de Talbot @ 410-822-1020

Usted también puede visitar la página web: www.cert.safekids.org

Para más información llame al: 1800-370-SEAT, línea de ayuda de niños en asientos seguros de MD.

Child Loss & Grief Support

Whether a miscarriage, stillborn death, or the loss of a baby after birth, the death of a child is devastating. If you have suffered the death of a child, please be assured that there are many people who are trained to help you cope with the grieving process. Local resources and support groups are listed below.