Advantages of Prenatal Care and Breastfeeding
The old proverb “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially relevant to when applied to preventive measures taken during pregnancy, when a few extra ounces of birth weight can save a child’s life.
During pregnancy, simple precautions can help avoid catastrophic results; giving up use of tobacco, for instance, drastically reduces the risk of miscarriage and pre-term labor.
The March of Dimes reports that if all women took adequate folic acid before conception and during pregnancy, the number of babies born with a neural tube defect could drop by as much as 70%.
The physical and emotional advantages of proper prenatal care to a mother and child are underscored by a strong business case for offering prenatal wellness benefits. Nationwide’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Michael Moore, estimates costs to care for one baby delivered prematurely could approach $500,000.
First steps in fostering a prenatal program –
• Invite the March of Dimes to present information about prenatal health at an employee brownbag lunch or breakfast meeting.
• Hold prenatal care information classes for interested personnel during lunch.
• Provide educational materials about the effects of alcohol, drugs and use of tobacco on an unborn child.
• Give incentives for adopting healthy life choices during pregnancy.
• Give prenatal programs and education as part of the business healthcare package.
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