Iowa Health Book: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Local Assistance: Community Health Nursing Helping You
Ardis Freyenberger, R.N.
University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Peer Review Status: None
Local Assistance: Assistance in your community to help you remain as independent as possible.
During your pregnancy, you may experience times when you could benefit from the help of others. This help might be in the form of emotional support, financial counseling, or daily physical care. A Visiting Nurse Association and or a Public Health Department in your local community or county can help you find the assistance you are needing at these times.
Services that might be provided include:
- Registered Nurses
Educational support and nursing care provided to pregnant women by the nursing staff of the agency.
- Nutrition Counseling
Consultation services with a nutritionist.
- Dental Hygiene
Dental care for the pregnant woman and her family members.
- WIC
A supplemental food program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Nutritious foods such as milk, eggs, cereal, juice and infant formula are provided at no cost. Eligibility includes Medicaid recipients or gross income falling within program guidelines. (1-800-532-1579)
- Medical Social Workers
Provide social, emotional and financial support.
- Home Health Care Aides
provide assistance with physical care
- Parenting Education
Information about child care and infant growth and development
- Immunization
Routine childhood vaccines available for minimal or no charge.
- Well-Child Examinations
Physical examinations provided for routine infant and child checkups.
- Loaner Programs
Infant and toddler car seats loaned to families.
- Health Promotion Services
physical assessment and screening provided at no charge to you and your family.
Some of the services mentioned above may generate a charge. Fees are based on what it costs to provide the services. Charges for services are usually paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross, or other insurance policies. Some agencies may be supported by community service dollars, donation, or tax dollars that allow them to provide services at little or no cost. We encourage you to call your local visiting nurse association or public health department for assistance or with questions you might have regarding your health care needs.
Prepared by: A. Freyenberger R.N. 8/91
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