Q: What is My Baby & Me?

A; My Baby & Me is a program to assist and support pregnant women to avoid alcohol consumption. Prenatal Care Coordination (PNCC) nurses provide their patients with non-judgmental, strength-based support. The goal of the program is to increase the number of pregnant women in Wisconsin who do not consume alcohol during pregnancy.

Q: What is the My Baby & Me approach?

A: My Baby & Me was designed to mirror our highly successful First Breath program. Both programs are incorporated into the existing prenatal care coordination service delivery system a Medicaid program primarily serving high-risk pregnant women. The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation gives prenatal care coordination nurses the training, technical assistance, and educational materials they need to work with patients. The approach is based on two strength-based behavior change models: the relational cultural theory for women and motivational interviewing. The program relies on a clear understanding of the importance of providing a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere between the nurse and the patient. In addition, My Baby & Me facilitates a strong collaboration between the nurse and her local women’s alcohol treatment provider.

Q: What is expected of My Baby & Me sites?

A: My Baby & Me sites are required to:

• Attend specific training sessions before implementing the program
• Submit data collection forms on each My Baby & Me patient at two points: enrollment and after delivery.
• Provide all of their pregnant patients with general information on the effects of alcohol during pregnancy.

 

Q: Do women enrolled in My Baby & Me receive incentives?

A: Yes, each My Baby & Me participant receives an enrollment gift of body care products, a blank writing journal, a relaxation music CD, a picture frame, and a gift card from a local retailer for participating in the program.

Q: Is the My Baby & Me Program accepting new sites?

A: Currently there are three County Public Health Departments participating in My Baby & Me. The Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation anticipates having a total of six to eight My Baby & Me sites by the end of 2008. Several additional Public Health Departments are being considered, as well as a women’s drug and alcohol treatment center in Milwaukee. Additional sites may be added on a limited basis. Our focus in 2008 is to support existing participating sites and continue to refine the program.