Maternal Health

Start well

When you are pregnant or have given birth, it’s important to have care and support along the way. We offer helpful resources so you can have a happy, healthy pregnancy.

If you’re a new IEHP member and pregnant, set up a prenatal visit within 42 days of joining. These early check-ups help you and your baby get off to a strong start.

After your baby is born, taking care of yourself matters just as much. If you’re feeling sad often, that’s your sign to talk with your doctor. At your postpartum visit, your doctor will check how your body is healing and make sure your mental health is okay.

Whether you join our free pregnancy classes or set up a visit with one of our OB-GYNs, we want you to feel supported and informed throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Maternal Health Program

Maternal health and wellness services

Let’s face it – pregnancy, giving birth and caring for a newborn are not easy. Feelings of depression, anxiety and the need for help are normal. The good news is our team is here to help you.

What we do:

Case management:

Our case managers provide ongoing support and assistance from the time you find out you're pregnant to up to two years after you give birth.

Education:

We provide prenatal/postpartum education on health and wellness, your plan benefits and other community resources available to you and your baby.

Care coordination:

Our care coordinators are here to make sure you get connected with the right health care providers (OB-GYN, therapist, psychiatrist, etc.). We will:

Schedule appointments for you
Arrange for transportation
Connect you with any equipment or care needed for pregnancy or delivery
Assess your ongoing needs and connect you to other maternal health resources
Connect you with a doula

Watch this video to learn how we supported IEHP member Gerti in her postpartum journey.

To reach the Maternal Health team, call 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) and ask for extension 8580, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-718-4347.

Doula services

Support during and after pregnancy

Did you know that IEHP covers doula services? A doula is a non-medical, trained birth worker who supports you and your family during pregnancy, childbirth and up to one year after your baby is born. Doulas can also support you if you have a miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion.

IEHP covers:

One intro visit
Eight more visits for prenatal (before birth) or postpartum (after birth) care
Emotional and physical support during labor and birth
Two longer visits postpartum
Nine extra visits postpartum if advised by a licensed clinical provider
- You can give the IEHP recommendation form to your doula or OB-GYN. They can fill it out and send it to doula@iehp.org.

Doulas can help you:

Learn ways to breathe and relax during labor
Make a birth plan
Get into comfy labor positions
Prep for feeding and lactation
Gain helpful resources as needed

Watch our video below to learn about an IEHP member's journey with a doula.

To learn more about doula services, call IEHP Member Services at 1-800-440-IEHP (4347), Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-718-4347.

You can also email doula@iehp.org.

Birth Plan Ready Workshop

Our birth plan workshop gives you time to think about your labor, birth, and postpartum choices. We will also practice talking about these choices. This helps you feel confident when you discuss your birth plan with your provider.

In this workshop, you will learn about:

Types of places where you can give birth
Types of support you may have during labor, birth, and postpartum
Ways to induce labor and manage pain
Options for monitoring your baby during labor
Options for delivery and care of your newborn

By joining this workshop, you’ll get:

Labor and Birth Planner (PDF)
Resources to support you during pregnancy and postpartum

To find a class near you, log in to your account

Go to the Health and Wellness tab.
Click on Available Courses.
Select Perinatal Health.
Choose the Birth Plan Ready Workshop class that works best for you.

IEHP Secure Member Portal

If you have questions, call IEHP Health Education, Promotion & Prevention at 1‑866‑224‑4347, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Breastfeeding support

Free breastfeeding helpline and support group

Loving Support helps mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals by offering advice, pumping strategies, referrals to other mom support groups and encouragement.

They can help with any questions or concerns you may have throughout the first year and beyond. Call their 24/7 helpline at 1-888-451-2499/951-358-7212. The staff speaks English and Spanish.

Helpful Resources

CDC Pregnancy Resources

Learn steps to take before, during and after pregnancy.

Learn more

Find Care

As an IEHP member, you can use our helpful tool to search for a provider near you.

Search for an OB-GYN

Learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Depression Support and Screening Guide

Read our quick guide to learn the signs of depression and whether you may need help.

Go to guide

Safe Sleep for Infants

Watch this video about setting up your baby’s crib for safe sleep.

Watch video

A Guide to Breastfeeding Your Baby

Learn the top tips for breastfeeding success in this guide.

Download now

Start Well Booklet

We offer free resources to support you throughout your pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.