Babies born to healthy moms are more likely to be healthy themselves. There are many things women can do before, during and after pregnancy to make sure their babies have a healthy start.

Having healthy babies isn’t just about having a healthy pregnancy: The health of a woman prior to pregnancy has the largest impact on birth outcomes. The Magnolia Project offers case management and preconception health services for women living in zip codes in Jacksonville’s urban core.

Pregnant women don’t have to go it alone. They can receive prenatal Healthy Start services from agencies that the Coalition contracts with, providing them with support, referrals and education to help them have a healthy baby. Access to care is important too. MomCare assists women in obtaining Pregnancy Medicaid and provides guidance in selecting prenatal care providers and scheduling initial prenatal visits.

The Azalea Project assists at-risk, substance-abusing women to ensure they have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. For moms whose babies end up in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), they can receive support through the Camellia Project.

Are you thinking about having a baby? If the answer is yes, then now’s the time to start planning and preparing. What you and your partner do to get ready even before you get pregnant will help your baby get the best start possible. Read our Reproductive Life Planning Guide to help prepare.

Are you an innie or an outie? “Like” our Belly Buttons Facebook page for the latest pregnancy and infant tips, tidbits and news in Northeast Florida. Connect with othe new parents; share ideas, advice and concerns; receive the latests news, health and parenting tipcs from maternal and child health professionals; find out about upcoming events and specials in the area; and much more!