Birth Parent Physical Health
Health & Wellbeing
Services that address the development, physical health, and mental health of young children, their caregivers, and their relational wellbeing
IN THIS SECTION
Prenatal
Prenatal care is given by a doctor, nurse, doula, or midwife throughout the birth parent’s pregnancy to support the health of both the baby and the birth parent.
Equity Considerations
A birth parent's experience with care is not uniform and can differ drastically based on race, identity, socioeconomic status, geography, and more. Some may experience discrimination throughout their pregnancy and birthing process, especially if they do not fit into society’s idea of what a mother is, and if they are not white. (Alhusen et al, 2016, Villarosa, 2018, Center for American Progress, 2019)
Health & Wellbeing
Ages
Pre-Birth
Usage
Geography
Statewide
Professionals
Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Midwifes, Doulas, Primary Care Providers
Settings
Primary Care Office, OB/GYN Office, Community Health Clinic, Specialist's Office, Online, Family’s Home, Public Health Clinics
Oversight, Guidance, and Regulation
Department of Public Health, MassHealth; Division of Insurance, Executive Office of Health and Human Services
examples
Health & Wellbeing
Ages
Pre-Birth - Birth
Usage
Geography
Statewide
Professionals
Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Midwifes, Doulas, Primary Care Providers
Settings
Primary Care Office, OB/GYN Office, Community Health Clinic, Specialist's Office, Online, Family’s Home
Oversight, Guidance, and Regulation
Department of Public Health, MassHealth; Division of Insurance, Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Perinatal
Perinatal care is given during and immediately after birth and includes physical and emotional support during labor from a professional such as a doula or OB/GYN.
Postnatal
Postnatal care supports birth parents after the birth of a child. All birth parents should have contact with a maternal care provider no more than 12 weeks after birth to assess their physical, social, and psychological wellbeing, as well as their decision making around future pregnancies.
Health & Wellbeing
Ages
Birth - 1 year
Usage
Geography
Statewide
Professionals
Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Midwifes, Doulas, Primary Care Providers
Settings
Primary Care Office, OB/GYN Office, Community Health Clinic, Specialist's Office, Online, Family’s Home
Oversight, Guidance and Regulation
Department of Public Health, MassHealth; Division of Insurance, Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Health & Wellbeing
Ages
Pre-Birth - 1 year
Usage
Geography
Statewide
Professionals
Lactation Consultants, Doulas
Settings
Hospitals, Birthing Centers, Private Practice Offices
Oversight, Guidance, and Regulation
Department of Public Health (Bureau of Family Health & Nutrition)
examples
Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Support Groups
Feeding & Lactation Support
Lactation consultants support birth parents to help them find solutions to potential feeding challenges, regardless of whether they are feeding their infant by breast or bottle. Feeding support groups can offer comfort, support, and resources to birth parents. Parents can also consult with a lactation specialist prior to the birth of the child.
