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Moms-to-be have a lot on their minds during pregnancy, mostly concerning the health of their baby. In the Hazleton area, women who are expecting a baby can get support from Healthy Beginnings Plus, a state-funded prenatal program provided through Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hazleton. Healthy Beginnings Plus helps ensure that mothers who are eligible for Medical Assistance get the expert medical care necessary to have a happy and healthy baby.
The Healthy Beginnings Plus health care team consists of a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), registered nurse midwife, nurse care coordinators, registered dietitians and social workers. Because Healthy Beginnings Plus is part of LVH–Hazleton, you can be assured that all the services you will need to make this a wonderful experience will be available to you.
Who is eligible for the Healthy Beginnings Plus program?
There are specific guidelines to determine if you are eligible for this program under Medical Assistance. The income guidelines for Medical Assistance are higher for pregnant women than for the general population. Therefore, you may not realize that you are eligible for Healthy Beginnings Plus. Call us and we will be happy to help you complete an application for Medical Assistance.
Where will I deliver my baby?
When it’s time to have your baby, you will give birth at LVH–Hazleton’s newly renovated Family Birth and Newborn Center. The Family Birth and Newborn Center is a beautiful, modern, secure maternity unit with a home-like atmosphere designed for the comfort of expectant and new parents. Highly-skilled nurses and support staff will provide you and your baby high-quality maternity care. Healthy Beginnings Plus covers all hospital services for you and your baby.
What services are provided to me and my baby?
- Prenatal medical care visits by an on-site OB-GYN or registered nurse midwife and registered nurse
- Intensive and extensive prenatal care for a high-risk pregnancy
- Nutrition information and counseling for you and your baby
- Free prenatal education classes including childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting, sibling preparation and infant CPR
- Home care and social worker visits
- On-site laboratory and ultrasound testing
- Free transportation arrangements to scheduled appointments
- Prenatal vitamins
- Help in applying for Medical Assistance
- Drug and alcohol abuse counseling
- Smoking cessation assistance
- Spanish translation services
What care is available after my baby is born?
We’re all about taking care of you and your baby, so the Healthy Beginnings Plus program provides health and wellness care to you both until your baby is 8 weeks old. Also, a home health nurse may visit you at home to answer any questions you may have about your baby or being a new parent.
Start your healthy beginning with us at Healthy Beginnings Plus–Hazleton.