Maternal Wellness

Perinatal Wellness was developed to work specifically with pregnant and post- partum birthing persons experiencing mood disorders and anxiety. Our staff consists of a Care Navigator, and Maternal Behavioral Health Professional who all work together with the birthing person and her family to develop a comprehensive care plan so that she can feel better and return to wellness. Perinatal Wellness focuses on combating social determinants of health: food insecurity, relationships, employment, access to medical and behavioral health care. Through weekly one-on-one in-person visits, the care coordinator will administer evidence based assessments and screening tools, provide health education, linkage to resources, and help with appointment tracking and goal setting.

PRETERM BIRTH:

In 2019, 1 in 10 babies (10.0% of live births) was born preterm in Fresno county. The rate of preterm birth in Fresno county is highest for black infants (13.9%), followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (12.0%), Hispanics (9.5%), Asian/Pacific Islanders (9.0%) and whites (8.6%). Our perinatal program empowers women through awareness and education in hopes of reducing this disparity.

ACE AWARE:

Our perinatal programs support both the family and provider(s) in understanding how to screen, address, and manage stress during pregnancy. Traumatic events that occur before or during a woman’s pregnancy may impact the development of her pregnancy, unborn child, and self. Our program uses a trauma informed approach that even applies to an infant in utero.

PERINATAL WELLNESS: 

Perinatal wellness aims to increase access to services for moms at risk for a mood disorders by integrating:

• Counseling services
• Case coordination
• Collaborative community education and awareness
• Linkage to local support groups
• Maternal screenings in alternative and nontraditional setting
• Family case management and planning

HOME VISITATION:

• Providing home care support
• Case management
• Linkage  to referrals
• Screening: ACE, ASQ-3, PHQ-9, EDPS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Pregnant or have had an infant within 12 months
• Pregnancy loss within the last 12 months
• Fresno County resident

CONTACT PROGRAM:

Elizabeth C. Maldonado
Care Navigator
Phone: (559) 801 -1598
Fax: (559) 244 -4589
Email: ecastromaldonado@healthcollaborative.org