Healthy choices before and during pregnancy and in the early months of a baby’s life help children grow and develop normally.

  • Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant can help prevent birth defects by eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use, taking a multi-vitamin containing folic acid and making other healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Breastfeeding provides babies with the nutrition they need. Information and guidance can help new mothers successfully breastfeed their babies.
  • Healthy children, as well as children with health problems, need to visit a health care provider on a regular basis. A health care provider can make sure a child is developing normally and provide information to parents about their child’s health needs.
  • Pregnancy and Beyond offers information to pregnant women and their families about having a healthy baby and providing a safe and nurturing environment after the baby is born.