Resources for Michigan Moms and Women

    

 

    I've discussed ways to improve birth outcomes, so here are some resources for some of those things and more to support you on your journey. All of the resources listed are accessible in Michigan, some of them will be more accessible for other states as well, but for the resources mentioned that are specific to Michigan, I would encourage you to look up how to access similar resources near you. 

    Luckily in Michigan, finding a midwife is simple. Spectrum hospital has midwives and a website to make an appointment and find out more. https://www.spectrumhealth.org/services/womens?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=womenshealth-region-NonBrnd-Phrase&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU2MS956rqDgfdsC4u0_7vqy0NpdW-ZvpoXZZ0l6e8ehkgx7m90FLa0aAjp5EALw_wcB Here is the link for Spectrum midwives. The Michigan Midwifery Association also has a link to find midwives where ever you may be in the state. https://sites.google.com/view/mmadirectory/return-to-top

    Finding a doula in Michigan is also easy. When searching for doulas in Grand Rapids, for example, tons of birth centers with many doulas came up. Here is a link to find a doula in any part of Michigan. https://doulamatch.net/list/birth/mi

    The cost of prenatal care and birth in the U.S. unfortunately prevents many mothers from receiving care. You do not have to go through pregnancy alone and without medical and financial support. There are many programs in Michigan to offer assistance and free clinics to get ultrasounds and checkups. Planned parenthood also offers low-cost and sometimes free prenatal care to those without health insurance. Here is a great link to lots of pregnancy resources in Michigan from home visits, to education, to financial assistance. https://www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter/programs/prenatal-programs There is also access to free food almost anywhere in the U.S. Here is a link to find free food so that you can have proper nutrition to support you and your baby. https://www.foodgatherers.org/foodresources/    

    Unfortunately one of the biggest causes of maternal mortality in the U.S. is domestic abuse. If you are in an unsafe situation there is a way out and there are programs here in Michigan to help you. This is not something that you have to suffer through alone. This link is an amazing resource to find information about any of the 73 organizations that provide domestic violence services in Michigan. Some of these include shelters, emergency services, legal and financial aid, counseling, and more. https://www.domesticshelters.org/help/mi 

    Resources for contraceptives may seem counter-productive when talking about birth and birth outcomes, but they have proven to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality as a planned pregnancy is often the healthiest pregnancy. Having the ability to plan allows you to address health concerns, and not every woman wants to become pregnant or has the financial or emotional stability to deal with pregnancy. This link gives you everything you need to know about different contraceptives with information on how to get them for free or low cost.https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/birth-control/how-can-i-get-birth-control-for-free

    Although pregnancy can be amazing and exciting, it can also come with challenges and fear. Pregnant women should never go without support and it is important to know all of the resources available to support you. With the internet, your needs are likely just a click away, hopefully this compilation of resources can help.