“Mommy and Me” Pregnancy Education Classes CityMatch Panel Discussion August 26, 2007 A pilot project for the March of Dimes- CDC cooperative agreement "Reducing Disparities in Premature Birth" Janine Lewis, MPH, PhD(c) Director Health Promotions Westside Health Authority Chicago, Illinois

Goal of Project ► “Mommy and Me” classes are 1 component of a larger program, “Healthy Births for Healthy Communities” Goal: Improve birth outcomes of African American infants born in Austin with high infant mortality due to preterm birth and sudden infant death syndrome.

Westside Health Authority ► Incorporated in 1990 under the leadership of Mrs. Jackie Reed, President/CEO ► Mission: To use the capacity of local people to improve the health and well-being of Westside residents. ► Conceptual framework: Every Block a Village

Austin: A Chicago Community ► Austin: 1/77 community areas in Chicago ► With nearly 118,000 residents, Austin is the most densely populated community in Chicago, Illinois. ► If Austin were taken out of Chicago, it would be the fifth largest city in Illinois. ► Austin demographic make up:  54% Women  90% African American  47% living below twice the poverty level ► MCH Indicators:  Approximate 2,000 live births annually; 21% to teen mothers  14.5% LBW  IMR = 15.8/1000 Austin: A Chicago Community

Healthy Births for Healthy Communities ► Three-year pilot project funded by Steans Foundation/IL DHS  Goal: To find high-risk pregnant women and guide them to prenatal care, WIC, case management services  WHA 1 of 2 outreach agencies ► “Mommy and Me” pregnancy education groups

Healthy Births for Healthy Communities ► Community Health Advocate Training  12 session curriculum (3 hours/session) ► Topics included: Communication, Health Disparities, Healthy Births, Prematurity (NICU tour), SIDS  Cross-training of HBHC/CTG staff (continuing ed) ► Topics included: domestic violence, smoking cessation, housing, postpartum depression

► Partners include:  Illinois Department of Human Services  March of Dimes Illinois Chapter  Steans Family Foundation  Austin Wellness Center of Cook County Partners

“Mommy and Me” Classes ► Six course session over four months (March-June 07) ► Course development informed by 2 focus groups held in January ► Facilitated by 2 peer advocates and a Coordinator ► Topics covered: Prematurity/SIDS, HIV/AIDS, postpartum depression, nutrition, birth defects, stress management, case management/WIC, childbirth, breastfeeding ► Referrals to prenatal care, case management, and WIC services provided

“Mommy and Me” Classes ► Recruitment: HBHC program; clients at referral agencies/neighborhood clinics/word of mouth ► Evaluation: Pre/post tests at each session; overall evaluation of program given at last educational session ► Sustainability: Presently searching for additional funding to continue this program

Evaluation Results ► 86% rated classes as “excellent” ► 100% noted that information was “easy to understand” ► 100% noted that training schedule was “just right” in terms of length ► Favorite session: SIDS (new information, speaker energetic and helpful)

“Mommy and Me” Baby Shower – June 13, 2007

B’s Story ► African-American woman; in early 30s ► Pregnant with twins; has 3 children; married ► Sometimes takes bus to travel to class ► B was referred by class facilitators to high-risk targeted intensive case management services ► Gave facilitators little presents at the end of class; said that they made the course fun ► Delivered twins about 4 weeks after class ended; delivered at full-term and both at normal birthweight

Thanks for attending our panel! Any questions? Contact Info: Janine Lewis