As stated, health begins before we are even born. Maintaining maternal, infant, and child heath includes the awareness of the importance of prenatal care to reduce health problems, infant mortality. Then we will better our children's future and the health of our nation. Programs 5 Programs MM Many public and priv ate organizations and communities have developed a wide variety of programs that target maternal, infant and child health. For this paper, programs will be discussed for enhancing maternal and infant health during the prenatal and early child development periods.
Prenatal care is the beginning of health care in a person's life.
A range of programs have been developed that support prenatal care and help to reduce infant mortality rates. Their mission is to give all children a healthy state in life by giving their mothers the most current information about prenatal and infant nutrition and health. Three instructors teach a series of classes giving women practical information. Classes are provided at no charge and are given at locations convenient to the clientele, for whom transportation often poses a significant barrier to such services. Many of the women and young mothers are of low family income, often coupled with a lack of education, are at high risk of prenatal health problems and future health problems for their children.