Healthy Beginnings

We’re working with Gellert Health to support you every step of the way. Making your way through both pregnancy and the health care system can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. This program provides compassionate support through every stage of your journey. We want to ensure that:

• Your voice is heard

• Your needs are met

• You get the care and resources you need for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience

Gellert Health can help with:

• Finding resources for you and your baby

• Attending specialty and high-risk appointments

• Connecting you with a pediatrician (provider for children)

• Providing postpartum help for both you and your baby

• Supporting compliance for people in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for substance use disorders

• Other support, as needed

To learn more:

• Call the Gellert Health Referral Line 480-710-0195

• Visit Gellert Health

Our high-risk care management program helps people we’ve identified with certain conditions. These conditions increase the risk of problems during pregnancy, like:

• Physical conditions

• Behavioral health conditions

• Any identified social determinants of health (things that affect your health where you live, work and play)

The perinatal care managers are an experienced team of nurses and social workers. They can answer questions and provide resources and referrals to help meet your needs. Our goal is to improve health for mothers and babies.

Has your doctor said that you have a high-risk pregnancy? You may be able to get help from a care manager. Just let us know about your high-risk pregnancy.

Call ${MS_phone_1} or ${MS_phone_2} (TTY 711). We’ll ask you for basic info. Then you’ll get a call from a care manager.

Ask your provider what’s safe and unsafe to do while you’re pregnant. Here are some basics:

• Start taking prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid). They can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. And you can get these without a prescription.

• If you haven’t already, move toward a healthy diet. You need more protein, iron, calcium and folic acid when you’re pregnant. You need more water, too. Learn more about healthy eating during pregnancy.

• Stay active physically. If you haven’t been in the past, check with your doctor for advice about ways to be active and prevent injuries.

• Stay away from alcohol, nicotine (smoking) and street drugs. They’re not good for you. And they can cause preterm (early) labor. If you do use these substances, don’t stop suddenly. Your doctor can help you quit safely. No judgment, either. Your doctor wants to help.

• Limit your caffeine. Check with your doctor about whether some caffeine may be okay for you.
• Find out if you need a blood test for lead. High levels of lead can harm you and your baby.

Visit our pregnancy page to watch videos about pregnancy. You can learn about things like: 

• OB/GYNs and certified nurse midwives 

• Pregnancy care routines 

• Tips for a healthy pregnancy 

• What to eat when you’re pregnant 

• What to expect in birthing classes 

• How to prepare for labor 

• Resources to help you and your new baby 

This special baby book helps you get ready for your baby and track exciting milestones. Inside, you’ll find tips on:

• Choosing a doctor 

• Joining childbirth classes

• Finding healthy food for you and your baby 

• Getting support from Mercy Care every step of the way 

Contact us to get the baby book. Call ${MS_phone_1} or ${MS_phone_2} (TTY 711). 

What is WIC?

WIC is Arizona’s supplemental nutrition program. It’s a federally funded program that provides these things at no cost:

• Healthy foods

• Nutrition education

• Referrals for health screenings or shots

• Breastfeeding resources and help

• Info about infant feeding, healthy meals, activities for active play, and the benefits of breastfeeding

Who does WIC help?

WIC helps:

• Pregnant women

• Women who are breastfeeding an infant up to 1 year old

• Women who have just had a baby within the last 6 months

• Babies and infants

• Children who are under five years old

Why call WIC?

• WIC provides information on many different topics.

• They also provide services to help families stay healthy.

How to apply

Call WIC today at 1‑800‑2525‑WIC or 1-800-252-5942. You can also visit WIC online. WIC will help you find out if you qualify. Most members can take part in WIC.

We can help you with breastfeeding. Some Arizona hospitals have lactation consultants. These are breastfeeding experts who can support you. Our perinatal case managers can help you connect with these experts. We can also help you reach your local La Leche League for more breastfeeding support.

To get help with breastfeeding, you can call:

• The National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1-800-994-9662 (TTY: 1-888-220-5446)
• La Leche League: 1-877-452-5324
• Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Breastfeeding Hotline: 1-800-833-4642

Benefits of a breast pump

Breastfeeding is the best source of food a baby can get during their first six months to one year of life*. It can help provide immune support, which helps protect your baby’s health. 

You’ll get a breastfeeding education packet once we learn that you’re pregnant. The packet provides info like:

• Why breastfeed?

• When and where can you get help?

• How do you get started breastfeeding?

• What effects can medicine have on breastfeeding? 

• When can you return to work or school?

You’ll want to empty your breasts regularly by feeding or using a breast pump. This prevents your breasts from becoming full and painful. Many women find it helpful to use a breast pump. 

You can pump breast milk when it works for you. Then your baby can get the best nutrition, no matter what your schedule. A breast pump also gives other family members the chance to feed and bond with your baby.

We can help you get a breast pump. Call ${MS_phone_1} or ${MS_phone_2} (TTY 711).