These resources are available to help Georgia moms to-be

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Maternal care programs are available for expectant mothers across the state.

CareSource, one of the state’s three Medicaid-managed plans, wants to remind women about resources available through their insurance provider.

CareSource serves over 450,000 Georgians, and their outreach programs span across the state. The statistics show maternal outcomes are far worse for Black mothers or mothers living in rural Georgia.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Black women are roughly three times more likely to die during birth than white women. Women in rural counties are at twice the risk as those in urban counties.

Taura White, the associate vice president of health equity with CareSource, said CareSource created programs to reach women where they are.

“Your health insurance partner is a part of your village. It becomes really important for us to talk about those health disparities and elevate the conversation around resources and programs that can help them with healthy pregnancies and healthy deliveries,” said White.

Their Mom and Baby Beginnings program connects women in Georgia with a care manager and coach to walk them through their pregnancy journey. Coaches can offer tips to help moms with a healthy diet, supplements to take, and ways to stay active.

“We dig deep, right? We go to those areas where we know those moms need a little extra help and resources,” said White.

They’ve partnered with Walmart to host Baby Days. In 2023 they helped nearly 3,000 people. The event includes education and baby care items. They are planning more events in 2024.

The Text4Baby App, which you can download, can connect you with nurses, lactation consultants and other members of their maternal care team.

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