Maternal & Child Health

Why do I need a Reproductive Life Plan?

• Saves you time, money, and stress
• Helps you avoid unintended pregnancies and prepare for desired pregnancies
• Reduces risks during pregnancy and childbirth

Whether you’re starting to think about having children or looking for ways to prevent pregnancy, the Family Matters Durham reproductive life planning guide provides valuable information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health and future.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your plan with someone, contact the Family Matters Durham Community Health Worker – Breann Wyman at breannwyman@dconc.gov . We’re here to help!

If you would like to talk to someone about your contraceptive options, please contact Lakieta Sanders at ldsanders@dconc.gov .

Schedule A Wellness Visit

A ‘Wellness Visit’ is an annual appointment with your health or primary care provider to check your physical and mental well-being and to prevent future health problems. These are also known as “preventive visits.” Find a provider you like, share your plan, and make them part of your reproductive planning team.

One good place to start your search for a primary care provider is with your health insurance plan, if you have one. Many plans maintain a list of primary care providers in your area. If you need to find a primary care provider, check out the following healthcare providers or tools to find a provider that fits your needs.

• Lincoln Community Health Center
• Durham County Department of Public Health
• Duke Health
• North Carolina Central University Student Health Center

For Medicaid or NC Health Choice beneficiaries who have received a letter from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS): Use the search tool Find a Doctor | NC Medicaid or call 888-245-0179.

Review Durham County Resources for Your Family Planning and/or Health Goals

• Family Planning Services - provides a full range of services including education, counseling, and birth control methods to decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies or to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Pregnancy testing and Plan B are both offered on a walk-in basis: Please call 919-560-7631 for an appointment. Information is available in English and Spanish. 
• Maternal Health Clinic - provides care for low-risk patients to ensure that all pregnant patients have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. The Centering Model of Care is also offered to actively engage patients in goal setting, skill-building, and peer support. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 919-560-7732. Information is available in English and Spanish. 
• Immunization Clinic - provides population-based and clinic-based immunizations. For questions about the cost of vaccines and the fee structure, or to make an appointment, please call 919-560-7608.
• Community Testing - provides comprehensive sexual health services including HIV/STI screenings, Safe Syringe Kits and/or Naloxone (Narcan), PrEP referrals as needed, and more at no cost. For more information or to schedule a free screening, please call 919-560-7844.
• Lamaze Childbirth Preparation Classes - prepares expectant families for a safe and healthy birth. Classes are free and offered virtually via Zoom. For more information, please call 919-323-5266.
• Health Promotion and Wellness - provides interactive programs that focus on skill-building activities to help participants with various chronic diseases become more confident in their ability to manage chronic health issues including, but not limited to, diabetes, chronic pain, falls prevention, and hypertension management. For more information about programs offered, please call 919-560-7771.
• Dental Clinic - provides services to clients ages 0-21 and pregnant women. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 919-560-7680.
• Nutrition Clinic - provides education and resources related to diet and lifestyle to help participants set personal goals and create a plan to move towards a healthier lifestyle. Services include weight management, nutrition counseling, diabetes self-management education, and more. For more information, please call 919-560-7791.

 The Mothers and Babies course can be delivered in group settings or one-on-one and can be integrated with other services, such as home visits or parenting groups.

Family Matters Durham collaborates with MAAME to offer Mothers and Babies sessions and educational trainings.

Interested in learning more?

Please contact the Family Matters Durham coordinator: Jasmine Johnson – at jjohsnon@dconc.gov for additional information.

 

Preconception Peer Educator Program

The Preconception Peer Educator Program, initiated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, trains and raises awareness among college students about healthy behaviors that can impact birth outcomes and the social determinants of health that impact health disparities.

Family Matters Durham launched this program at North Carolina Central University in January 2024. Any NCCU students have the opportunity to become certified peer educators after completing the PPE training. Once students are trained, they work with the campus advisor to develop and carry out on-campus activities and community outreach to educate their peers and in the community at large.

The training objectives are met by engaging the students in robust conversations and interactive activities around the following topics.

• Health disparities and the social determinants of health
• Infant mortality disparities and causes
• Racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes: A life course perspective
• Preconception health and care for women and men
• HIV, STDs and preconception health

For more information about getting involved with the Preconception Peer Educator Program, please contact the Family Matters Durham Community Health Worker – Breann Wyman at breannwyman@dconc.gov. We can’t wait to connect!

Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding, with a Specific Focus on Steps 3 and 10

Family Matters Durham uses evidence-based strategies to focus on reducing the rate of infant mortality in Durham County.

What is Infant Mortality?

Infant mortality is the death of an infant before their first birthday.

What are the leading causes of Infant Mortality?

• low birth weight
• preterm births
• birth defects
• sudden infant death syndrome
• maternal health complications

What evidence-based strategies help reduce infant mortality?

Breastfeeding is a well-established preventive health measure that significantly lowers the risk of several common causes of infant mortality. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop obesity, type 1 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and severe lower respiratory infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to ensure optimal growth, development, and health.  Exclusive breastfeeding means that an infant receives no food or drink other than breast milk—this includes not giving water. Breast milk alone can provide all the necessary nutrients for the first six months.

Local Breastfeeding Support

1. Welcome Baby Support group (Free)
   • English: Every last Wednesday of the month at 10 AM
   • Spanish: Every last Tuesday of the month at 10 AM
   • Virtual or in person
   • Learn more: Welcome Baby
2. MAAME Mocha Milk Club Peer Support Group (Free)
   • 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 7 pm on Zoom:
     • https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86348393173?pwd=Yml3enRYOUVIUXg5RkxucEVmTHBrZz09
   • 4th Saturday of the Month at 10:30 am in-person at 1208 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707
3. Beyond Birth Lactation Group (Free)
   • Meets every Wednesday at 10:00 via Zoom./li>
   • Must RSVP to receive zoom link. To RSVP, email Lorraine at lorraine@beyondbirthlactation.com
4. Hug Your Baby (Free)
   • Two-hour “Live” Zoom “Breastfeeding 101” class is offered once a month on Saturdays from 1-3 PM.
   • Learn more: https://www.hugyourbaby.org/parenting10
5. Emerald Doulas Infant Feeding and Newborn Care class: $150 per family
   • Includes breastfeeding/infant feeding and baby care basics in a two-part series, once per month.
   • Sundays from 4-6 PM
   • Schedule Appointment with Emerald Doula
6. Four Sisters Hands (Free)
   • Monthly breastfeeding support group for Black families.
   • Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM.
     • Meeting Registration - Zoom
7. La Leche League of Durham (Free)
   • Meetings in English offered once a month on 1st Wednesdays (online), 3rd Thursdays (in-person), and 3rd Saturdays (online)
   • Learn more: La Leche League of Durha
8. Durham Triangle Area Parenting Support (TAPS) workshops (Free)
   • Learn more: Baby Steps Preparing for Parenthood Workshops Durham County — Triangle Area Parenting Support
9. Milestones Pediatric and Maternal Nutrition (Free)
   • A free monthly support group in Cary & Durham for breastfeeding parents and their little ones. No registration required.
   • Thursday August 29th 11-12PM at South Regional Library
   • Learn more: Free Breastfeeding Support Groups in Cary, Raleigh, & Durham (milestonesnutrition.com)

For more information about breastfeeding promotion and support in North Carolina, visit Breastfeeding Promotion and Support | NCDHHS

Ready, Set, Baby

A Guide to Welcoming Your New Family Member 
 
Ready, Set Baby is designed to help you get ready for your baby, whether you're a first-time parent or adding to your family. This prenatal education is packed with conversations like infant feeding, breastfeeding tips, care at birthing facilities, and what to expect when you return home. This resource is intended for all pregnant individuals and their family members who will be caring for them and their newborns. Join us to feel prepared and confident for this exciting journey! We are here to support you.

Family Matters Durham Live Online Classes

Our Ready, Set, Baby classes are FREE and offered virtually via Zoom.

Topics covered include:

• Benefits of breastfeeding
• Staying healthy during pregnancy and beyond
• Infant feeding & cues
• Skin-to-skin
• Mental health
• Common concerns
• Resources for support

Schedule

English: Thursdays @ 9:30am and 1:00pm (Eastern time)

Spanish: Mondays @ 9:30am and 1:00pm (Eastern time)

Note: The Zoom platform is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

There are currently no plans to discontinue this offering, though the schedule is subject to change.

For more information, please contact Family Matters Durham program coordinator: Jasmine Johnson at jjohsnon@dconc.gov

How to Get Involved with Family Matters Durham

Family Matters Durham is dedicated to supporting the well-being of families and invites everyone to get involved in improving perinatal outcomes in our communities. We offer a range of engaging educational trainings, interactive workshops, courses, and networking opportunities. Join us in fostering meaningful conversations about maternal and child health. Explore our Community Perinatal Health Calendar for information on upcoming health events, available services, and valuable resources. Together, we can make a difference!

Community Action Team (CAT)

We invite anyone interested in maternal and child health to join our collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes and promote equitable services. Our Community Action Team (CAT) includes family leaders, community members, local stakeholders, and partners—all dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Durham County.

We meet every other month, either in person or virtually, in a welcoming environment filled with engaging discussions, interactive activities, networking opportunities, and training sessions aligned with our program goals. Together, we can harness our collective expertise, experiences, and resources to create meaningful change, ensuring that every child and every family in Durham County has the opportunity to thrive.

Come be part of our mission!

Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA)

Family Matters Durham services employ a collaborative framework across sectors and disciplines that foster systemic change through shared responsibility and accountability. We focus on health and racial equity to enhance health outcomes and build healthier communities. We conduct an annual Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) to evaluate selected strategies. This structured process helps us identify the root causes of health inequities and develop action plans to address disparities. The HEIA assesses the impact of our strategies and guides program adjustments.

For more information or to participate in this process, please contact the Family Matters Durham Coordinator - Jasmine Johnson at jjohsnon@dconc.gov.