Maternal and Child Health

The Maternal Child Health (MCH) program aims to improve maternal safety and outcomes by focusing on the wellbeing of mothers and children both during pregnancy and after birth. Identifying and addressing underlying vulnerabilities to poor health is essential. The MCH program focuses on health promotion, risk reduction, and improving quality healthcare through training professionals to identify and manage early warning signs. It is vital for healthy mothers to deliver healthy babies and receive quality care from skilled and well-equipped health care workers. IHS collaborates with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Native American Children’s Health to conduct site visits, improve rural obstetrics care in the Indian health system.

The following topics cover basic information on Maternal and Child Health:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Alcohol/Substance Use During Pregnancy
• Emergency Preparedness and Women
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder
• Pediatric Health
• Pregnancy
• Prenatal Care
• Postpartum Depression
• Safe Sleep for Native Babies

IHS Resources

• Diabetes Standards of Care and Clinical Practices: Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum - IHS Division of Diabetes and Treatment Prevention
• HIV: Clinical Information Guidelines on pediatric/perinatal HIV infection
• HIV Testing/IHS Guidelines/resources to CDC recommendation for breastfeeding
• Healthy Weight for Life/Actions for Providers
• IHS Breastfeeding Promotion and Support (Baby Friendly) Initiative
• IHS Breastfeeding Toolkit
• IHS Healthy Weight Model/Across the Lifespan
• Maternal Substance Use Disorders – IHS Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
• Opioid Use/Substance Abuse Maternal Health
• Opioid Use/Substance Abuse//Child Health
• Physical Activity Kit page – Exercise booklets and videos for people of all ages HS Health Promotion and Disease Prevention