Maternity Care Resources

Pregnancy is an exciting time in life for mothers and fathers. With any adventure into parenthood, questions about what to expect during and following pregnancy can arise. To help you prepare for baby, below are a number of resources that may be helpful to you as an expecting parent.

If you have any questions during your pregnancy, please do not hesitate to ask your maternity care provider. You are also welcome to call Mile Bluff's Birthing Center at 608-847-1012.

Car Seats

Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in case of a car accident. It's important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car.

Before your baby is born, purchase the right car seat for your child, and make sure it is installed properly. You can have car seats checked for free the first Thursday of every month at the Mauston Area Ambulance garage from 3:30-5:30 pm.

For more information about car seats, installation instructions, and brand reviews visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Classes for Parents

Mile Bluff provides a full-day education program for expecting parents. During the class parents learn how to prepare for childbirth, what to expect during delivery, how to care for a newborn, and what to expect after returning home from the hospital. These classes are available throughout the year in Mauston on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Please call 608-847-1013 to register.

Expecting parents are also invited to tour the birthing center at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston. This is a great way to see what options are available locally.

Community Resources

Each county in the surrounding area has different programs and resources to support new parents and their expanding families.

Find your resources for your county below.

InJoy

Parents going through childbirth education classes at Mile Bluff will receive education materials from InJoy. These booklets are great additions to the in-person classes, and share information about prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum baby care, and breastfeeding.

With the InJoy booklets, parents also receive an access code to the InJoy Health Education Learning Portal. This portal provides additional videos and information to provide insight into what to expect when you're expecting.

Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)

Nurse Family Partnership is a voluntary, free Maternal Child Health program. It gives first-time moms valuable knowledge and support throughout pregnancy and until their babies reach 2 years of age. Partnering first-time moms with caring nurse home visitors empowers these mothers to confidently create a better life for their children and themselves.

For more information visit: www.nursefamilypartnership.org

Other Resources

First Breath

First Breath is a free program that helps people make positive changes to their tobacco, alcohol and substance use during pregnancy and beyond.

Infant Dental Care

Your baby's teeth begin to form before birth, so your child's dental care begins with a healthy pregnancy. While you are pregnant, be sure to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet filled with plenty of vitamins and minerals. It is also important for women to have a complete dental exam during pregnancy. Learn more about infant dental care and call your local dentist office to make an appointment.

Period of Purple

The Period of PURPLE Crying is a normal developmental stage that all babies go through. It is a period when an infant tends to be fussier and cries more often. It is important to be aware that this phase happens for every baby. The crying tends to start at two weeks of life and peaks around two months. During this time, babies may be fussier, more irritable, and resistant to soothing. They may also cry more in the evening, and cry for no apparent reason at all. Knowing what soothes your baby and knowing that this is a normal developmental stage will help you cope as a parent when this happens. Know that it is NEVER okay to shake a baby! Please contact your doctor or your infant’s doctor if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your infant, or if you have any other concerns. The information provided in the link will help you better understand the Period of PURPLE Crying. This is a great resource for caregivers as well.

Text4Baby

Text4Baby provides free text messages three times a week with information to help you through your pregnancy and baby's first year. Text BABY to 511411 to sign up.

Well Water Testing

The only way to know if well water is safe for your baby is to have it tested! We encourage you to test your well water, before or during pregnancy, to make sure that the water you are drinking is safe for you and your baby.

Most private wells provide a clean, safe supply of water; however, contaminants can pollute private wells, and unfortunately you cannot see, smell or taste most of them. Consequently, you should test your water on a regular basis. To find a well water testing lab, visit the Wisconsin DNR.

Reading to Baby

Books build better brains, especially when parents understand the power of sharing books with children at every stage of life.

Every child who receives care at Mile Bluff will receive a book at each well child visit from six months to age five. As participants in the Reach Out and Read Wisconsin program, Mile Bluff is helping parents stimulate healthy brain development and strengthen connections with their young children.

Hatch Public Library in Mauston also supports a healthy parent-child relationship with early reading and books. Through the library's infant and youth programs, you can find a fun way to develop your child's love of reading. Mention seeing this information next time you go to Hatch Public Library and receive a free board book for your child.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are very important in helping your baby and the community stay healthy. The Center for Disease Control recommends vaccinations for pregnant women, infants, children, and adults.

Call your healthcare provider to keep up-to-date on your child’s vaccinations. If your child is eligible for Vaccines for Children (VFC), you may go through the public health department for vaccinations.

To see if your child is up-to-date on vaccines, visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

WIC

If you're pregnant, a caregiver, or a mom with a child under the age of five, you may qualify for personalized support for you and your family. If you meet income requirements, and are a pregnant or new mom, WIC uses federal funds to provide healthy food, breastfeeding support, healthcare referrals and nutrition education.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website to learn more about WIC and how to apply.