Doula pregnancy and birth services are a covered benefit for our members. A doula is a trained and experienced person who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother. This support is given before and during childbirth to help a woman have the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. After birth, doulas can also provide emotional and practical support, nursing education and child development information. Call Everyday Miracles at 612-353-6293 for more information or visit everyday-miracles.org.
Families play a crucial role in childhood development particularly in regard to their children’s physical, social, and emotional wellbeing. Many Minnesota families face challenges that impact their ability to provide the needed support for infants and young children due to social, economic, and environmental factors. To prevent significant disparities later in life, coordinated interventions are needed. These interventions enable health professionals to work closely with parents as they navigate challenges with the goal of improving family health and providing better opportunities for children. The Family Home Visiting (FHV) program is a partnership between Hennepin County, providers and local community agencies to offer free home-based services to eligible county residents. Public health nurses, and other professionals visit families at their homes or community spaces to provide emotional, social, health-related and parenting support and to connect them with appropriate resources. The program aims to promote healthy start for Minnesota children through positive birth outcomes and healthy child development, while also strengthening and restoring critical bonding relationships for families. The visits promote family bonding, provide prenatal and postpartum support, help families adjust to a new baby, prepare kids for school, and support healthy and safe childhood. Referrals are accepted from families, health professionals, organizations and programs including health plans, nurses, physicians, social service provider, and WIC programs. Self-referrals are also accepted. To participate fill out the family home visiting referral form.
Learn about childbirth, breastfeeding or basic information about newborns. Pregnancy classes are a covered member benefit. They are offered through clinics, hospitals and other health agencies. Talk to your doctor or try Everyday Miracles or Amma Parenting.
WIC is a federal nutrition and breastfeeding program for pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children. WIC helps families with financial needs buy groceries (infant cereal, baby foods, fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, etc.). WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health and social services.
Hennepin County has in-person WIC visits available at various county locations. To schedule an appointment, call 612-348-6100. For more information about WIC, visit WIC: Women, Infants and Children | Hennepin County.
You can get a free car seat or booster for your baby or child (up to 8 years old) once you complete a car seat class.
Car seats make riding in a motor vehicle safer for your child. You will need a car seat for your baby when you drive home from the hospital after your baby’s birth. Minnesota law requires children riding in a motor vehicle to be in a car seat up to their eighth birthday or until the child reaches 4 feet, 9 inches tall. The car seat should face the back of the car for babies and infants.
A technician visit or in-person lesson is required to receive your car seat. You can get a free car seat from our providers, Everyday Miracles or NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center. If you receive your car seat from Everyday Miracles, your car seat will be delivered by a certified car seat technician who will install your car seat and show you how to use it. If you receive your car seat from NorthPoint, installation and instruction will take place at the clinic.
Car seat program information
A birth plan helps you decide what you want for your pregnancy and after your baby’s birth. It can include:
Call us or your county worker when you have your baby to make sure your baby has health insurance.
DHS approved 8/29/23; MC-1499-MC
612-596-1036, TTY 711