The My Health Baby program in Indiana aims to provide support and guidance to pregnant women and new parents who are on Medicaid. This program connects them to a local family support provider who offers free home support, services and one-on-one guidance during pregnancy and through the first year of the child's life. The program is now available in all 92 counties of Indiana.

The My Healthy Baby Indiana website states, "This free service from a caring, supportive professional in your own community will be a great addition to the guidance you might already get from family and friends."

Below are the FAQs and answers listed on the website.

What kind of local support will I receive?

We know that the support one mom needs may be very different from other moms. Through one-on-one meetings with you, your family support provider will be able to listen, learn, and customize the best support for you that meets your circumstances and needs.

Your local support could consist of:

Answers to your questions about pregnancy and baby care

Connections to services and resources such as food and housing, transportation, childcare

Access to free baby items such as cribs, diapers, car seats and more

How will I be contacted?

Once you fill out the form above, you will receive a phone call from the Indiana Department of Health. If you miss our call, we will leave a voicemail. Please return the call as soon as you can so we can get you connected to your free, local family support provider.

We are open 8:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m. EST daily and calls typically take 20-30 minutes.

What happens during a visit with a family support provider?

Visits usually last about an hour and can take place in your home or at a public place like a park, restaurant or library. Your provider may be able to meet with you virtually (a phone or laptop video conference). During your first visit, you and your family support provider will get to know each other. Together, you will decide the topics to cover at your visits.

What if I'm unsure about having someone come into my home?

Your family support provider is there to help you navigate pregnancy and motherhood in a way that works for you. This means that you can meet in a public space or at your home. Many moms appreciate the convenience of meeting at home. This can also be very beneficial for you and your baby as your support provider is better able to understand you and your baby's current environment and needs. Your provider is not there to judge you or your home. We encourage meeting at home when possible, but each mom knows what's best for her and can schedule her meetings at the location that is most comfortable and convenient for her.

Can other family members be involved?

Yes! Moms often find it helpful for partners, family members or even friends to be involved during visits. The education and support you receive can help the entire family.

How long can I expect to receive support?

It's best to get connected as soon as you find out you're pregnant so you can receive the fullest range of support. Your family support provider meets with you throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born unless you choose to opt out earlier. Staying in the program can help you feel confident as your baby grows and changes. The program is completely voluntary.

Is there really no cost?

That's right! My Healthy Baby connects you to a local organization at no cost. And there is no cost for your family support provider to meet with you and for you to receive helpful resources.

Why should I participate?

There are many things you can do during your pregnancy and baby's first year for a great start. You will learn tips for helping both yourself and your baby. As an Indiana family, you deserve to have positive pregnancy and infant experiences. Women across the state say their family support providers have helped them navigate pregnancy and beyond, in a way that is informative, supportive and respectful.

Why should I get connected when I'm pregnant?

Getting connected as early as possible in your pregnancy helps you get the education, services and support you need from the very start. Our moms who do this say that it helps them be extra prepared for the birth and caring for their new baby.

How do I know if I qualify?

The phone representative from My Healthy Baby will be able to help you determine if you qualify for the program based on your county of residence. Only Indiana residents can qualify for this program.

If I'm covered by Medicaid, will this impact my coverage?

No, not at all. Just like My Healthy Baby, Medicaid wants your baby to have access to the best local family support available. That's why working with My Healthy Baby will not affect your Medicaid coverage in any way.

To connect with a local support provider, visit www.myhealthybabyindiana.com

My Healthy Baby is a collaboration between the Indiana Department of Health, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). This initiative builds a network of services and support to wrap our arms around moms and babies to create healthier outcomes for both. It was established by House Enrolled Act 1007, which was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2019.