“Under nurse supervision, MOMS mothers and their babies receive one-on-one education and support during pregnancy and through the baby’s 13th month through a program of monthly home visitation (also offered virtually). This provides women and their babies with specialized, in-home, one-on-one education, and support. During pregnancy, mothers are visited monthly by a home visitor for prenatal health screenings and are educated on prenatal care, nutrition, exercise, stress management and more. They are screened for maternal depression and other risks to a healthy pregnancy. After birth, the focus is on promoting the baby’s healthy growth and development and the mother’s health and well-being by establishing a medical home, tracking immunizations, promoting breastfeeding and nutrition, educating parents on early brain stimulation, screening for achievement of developmental milestones, promoting infant play and exercise, and enhancing parenting skills. Another key aspect of the service is referral to community resources (i.e. for basic needs and other services).

Each visit takes place in the client’s home and lasts approximately 60-90 minutes (offered virtually during the Pandemic). Home visitors are highly trained Maternal Child Health Coordinators who hold a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field or 5 years’ experience. They are also bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese. One key element to MOMS’ approach is that home visitors share the same culture and language and are able to gain the trust and confidence of the client because of the personalized relationship developed over time.

MOMS Orange County also offers a range of classes and support groups:

• Breastfeeding Education and Consultation
• Childbirth Preparation Class
• Prenatal Education Class
• Preparing for Motherhood
• New Dads Workshop
• Postpartum Support Group
• Mommy & Me Groups for babies 3-5
months, 6-11 months and 12-17 months
• My Parents & Me Groups for babies 3-5
months, 6-11 months

Groups are offered in-person at various locations throughout Orange County or virtually.”