Prenatal and postpartum services are key to supporting the health and well-being of mothers, babies, families, and the entire community.
In Wayne County, Michigan—home to many Arab American, immigrant, and refugee communities—expectant mothers often encounter additional challenges preventing them from receiving maternal and infant healthcare.
LAHC (Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities) recognizes the importance of culturally sensitive prenatal and postpartum services.
Through ongoing community needs assessments, including surveys and focus groups with mothers, we identify gaps in care, access issues, and potential solutions.
By listening directly to women’s experiences, LAHC aims to shape programs and resources that address their needs and support healthier outcomes.
Why are prenatal services important?
Prenatal services help ensure a healthy start for both mothers and babies. They involve more than just medical check-ups; they also include education, emotional support, and connections to community resources.
In communities where language and culture shape healthcare experiences, these services can reduce confusion and misunderstandings that sometimes hinder quality care.
Regular prenatal visits allow healthcare providers to detect potential issues early, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes.
Without proper prenatal care, mothers may face unnecessary complications, potentially leading to premature births, low birth weights, or other challenges.
What do prenatal services typically include?
Prenatal services provide a range of essential care and support to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Key components of prenatal services include:
- Medical check-ups: Regular visits to monitor blood pressure, weight, and fetal heartbeat.
- Nutritional guidance: Advice on balanced meals, vitamins, and supplements like folic acid to support healthy development.
- Screenings and diagnostic tests: Blood tests, ultrasounds, and urine checks to detect infections, anemia, and other health concerns.
- Emotional support: Mental health resources and stress management techniques to help mothers navigate pregnancy.
- Physical well-being: Recommendations for safe exercises and strategies to manage discomforts like back pain or fatigue.
- Childbirth and postpartum education: Guidance on labor options, infant care, breastfeeding, and safe sleep practices.
Mom Care Connect: LAHC’s free support group
LAHC understands that successful prenatal care involves more than just visits to a clinic. To create a nurturing community space, we offer Mom Care Connect.
This free support group meets every other Friday at the Lennon Pregnancy Center.
Here, moms and moms-to-be find a welcoming environment to share experiences, learn from experts, and connect with others who understand their cultural context and challenges.
What to expect at Mom Care Connect
At Mom Care Connect, participants attend workshops on nutrition, stress management, and infant care.
These sessions, led by knowledgeable professionals, encourage open dialogue, ensuring everyone’s questions and concerns are heard.
Peer support plays a special role—mothers can exchange practical tips, share coping strategies, and celebrate each other’s progress.
They also gain access to community partners who can offer help in areas like financial assistance, social services, and specialized healthcare providers.
Visit us in 2025
LAHC will continue both in-person and virtual support groups in the new year.
Additionally, we invite local moms to register for our WhatsApp group to receive tips, resources, event updates, and general support.
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education prenatal programs for Michigan residents (MI Kids Matter)
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Learning, and Potential (MI Kids Matter) offers valuable resources to support families and help children thrive.
Their programs promote health, happiness, and success from pregnancy through early childhood.
Key services include:
- Home visiting programs: Free support from nurses, educators, and social workers to guide families during pregnancy and early parenting.
- WIC nutrition program: Assistance with nutrition, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals for expectant moms and children up to age five.
- Early learning resources: Tips on talking, reading, and playing to boost your baby’s development from birth.
- Financial assistance: Help with food, housing, childcare, and other essentials through MiBridges.
Additional Michigan-based resources for mothers and children
Michigan offers a variety of pre-natal programs to support mothers, babies, and families during pregnancy and early parenting.
Resources and programs include:
- MDHHS: Maternal Infant Health Program: A free program providing personalized support and education to help pregnant women stay healthy and prepare for their baby’s arrival.
- MDHHS: Doula Registry: A directory of certified doulas who offer guidance and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
- MDHHS: Family Planning: Access to reproductive health services, including birth control options, education, and counseling.
- Mi Bridges: A portal to apply for financial assistance with food, housing, childcare, and other essential needs.
- Michigan Home Visiting: Free home-based support for pregnant women and new parents, offering guidance from healthcare professionals.
- Michigan 211: A helpline connecting families to local resources for healthcare, housing, and other critical services.
- MDHHS: Safe Delivery: Information about Michigan’s Safe Delivery law allows parents to safely and legally surrender a newborn they cannot care for.
- Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association: Support and education for Black mothers to promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and infant health.
- MDHHS: Moms, Babies, and Pregnancy: Guidance on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and caring for newborns, including resources for navigating challenges during COVID-19.
- MDHHS: COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Up-to-date information on pregnancy and breastfeeding safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LAHC’s additional resources and programs
LAHC’s work doesn’t stop with Mom Care Connect and community assessments.
We link families to reputable local and state resources, including educational materials, nutrition programs, mental health counseling, and lactation support.
By connecting pregnant women and new mothers to a network of professionals and organizations, we help fill any gaps in their prenatal and postpartum journey.
LAHC contributes to a healthier environment that supports maternal health and overall community well-being through diverse programs.
How to get involved and access prenatal services at LAHC
If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or recently had a baby, consider LAHC’s programs and services. Learn more about ongoing community assessments, upcoming focus groups, and survey opportunities.
Join Mom Care Connect to build relationships, gain new skills, and share your journey with others with similar cultural backgrounds.
Our team can connect you with healthcare providers, offer nutrition advice, and link you to social services that complement prenatal care.
Follow LAHC on Facebook for updates about workshops, support groups, and initiatives to improve maternal and infant health.
If you have questions or need personalized guidance, call LAHC at 313-846-8480.