Maternal Health

Duplin County Health Department in partnership with Wayne Women’s Clinic

Maternal health services are available to Duplin County residents by appointment. Medicaid and insurance are accepted; a sliding fee is available with proof of income.  Prenatal services are provided by Certified Midwives, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), and nurses.

Services

  • Your first visit will be with the nurse and it will take about 2 hours.
  • The nurse will ask questions about your medical, social, and family history, previous pregnancies, nutrition, and immunizations.
  • You will have the required prenatal laboratory tests drawn.
  • You will receive information on what to expect during your pregnancy, a schedule of prenatal visits, and community resources.
  • Your first prenatal physical exam with the doctor will be scheduled within the following week.
  • You will be referred to WIC.

Physical Exam:

  • The provider will complete the physical examination
  • Review and discuss the lab results
  • Discuss the scheduling of prenatal appointments
  • Nursing staff will provide prenatal education based on your due date

Early Prenatal Care

Is important to have early prenatal check-ups to promote a healthy pregnancy and to help the mother be physically and emotionally prepared for the birth of her child.

There is a greater risk of birth problems for the mother and child if the mother’s health is not monitored during the pregnancy.

Some issues that can create risk factors that can impact having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby are diabetes, hypertension, being overweight, drug/alcohol use, all types of tobacco use, being exposed to communicable and sexually transmitted diseases, living in a domestic violence situation, and being a very young mother; less than 18 years of age.

Care Management for High-Risk Pregnant Women (CMHRP) is a voluntary program to offer assistance and support to pregnant women in Duplin County.  Services are provided at no cost. The goals of CMHRP are:

  1. To link women to community resources.
  2. To improve pregnancy outcomes by identifying and addressing problems such as transportation, medical care, pregnancy counseling, and encouraging healthy behaviors.
  3. To provide education on pregnancy, parenting, and caring for new babies.
  4. To empower women to develop a reproductive life plan and improve their own health.

Safe Sleep:

There is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, but you can help your baby sleep more safely by following these tips:

  • Back to sleep, rather than on their stomach or side.
  • Keep the crib as bare as possible, use a firm mattress, and don’t leave pillows, fluffy blankets, or toys in the crib.
  • Don’t overheat baby.
  • Use a sleep sack or sleep clothing without additional covers.
  • Baby should sleep alone. Adult beds are not safe for infants.
  • Breastfeed your infant for 6 months if at all possible.
  • Avoid the use of commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Offer a pacifier: sucking on a pacifier at naptime and bedtime may reduce the risk. If breastfeeding wait to offer a pacifier until the baby is 3-4 weeks old and you have a good nursing routine.

Breastfeeding Support:

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