Maternal & Child Health
What We Do
The Maternal and Child Health Division and Programs serve as a resource, partner and advocate for public health leaders dedicated to improving the health of women, children, youth, families and communities in Marion County.
Our mission is to build strong communities and reduce infant mortality by sharing best practices, promoting advocacy, bringing leaders together to exchange ideas and experiences, and offering direct interventions that are meaningful and culturally relevant for community members.
Additionally, the Marion County Public Health Department is committed to advancing public health initiatives that promote wellness and prevent disease across diverse populations. We focus on ensuring access to essential health services, including maternal and child health, communicable disease prevention and health education.
By addressing health disparities through collaborative efforts with community organizations and stakeholders, we aim to foster healthier environments. Comprehensive data analysis helps us identify critical health needs and tailor programs accordingly. Our goal is to empower individuals and families with resources and educational initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, ultimately creating a thriving, informed community in Marion County.
Helpful Resources
Bed And Britches, ETC Program (B.A.B.E.)
Beds and Britches, Etc. (B.A.B.E.), is an engaging community-based program dedicated to providing support and resources to expectant parents and families during this exciting time in their lives! The program aims to help improve family health and wellness while promoting growth and development for your child. In return for a participants’ commitment, they will earn B.A.B.E. coupons that acknowledge their efforts and support their family’s needs.
The B.A.B.E. store is a coupon-based resource for parents to get essential home goods for infants and toddlers with five locations around Indianapolis. The stock changes based on availability with different offerings per location. Items for purchase include, but are not limited to: sheets, onesies, clothing and coats, receiving blanks, diapers, potty chairs, bathtub, booster or car seat, highchair, crib, Nuk gift set, baby lotion, shampoo and wash, play pen with bassinette, and more.
Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)
The Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program aims to better understand the loss of babies during pregnancy and up to 12 months of age in Marion County, Indiana, and to identify ways to prevent future tragedies.
The Indianapolis Healthy Babies Consortium (IHBC), along with the Indianapolis Healthy Start Program, is a community partnership dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of mothers and infants. This collaborative effort unites local healthcare providers, community members, educational institutions, and the Marion County Public health department, all working together to achieve a common goal: improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality rates.
The IHBC also created the Diaper Den to assist in eliminating diaper need in our community by providing a reliable and sufficient supply of diapering essentials, including menstrual products. We supply children with diapers and basic diapering necessities that every child deserves to maintain their health and well-being.
Indianapolis Healthy Start provides education, referral and support services to pregnant women, fathers and their families. Our goal is to eliminate disparities in birth outcomes and infant survival rates in Marion County. We achieve this through comprehensive services including case management, health education, and targeted outreach to program participants.
We offer a variety of resources designed to empower families — such as resources for safe sleep education, parenting classes, car seat safety classes, nutrition education, breastfeeding classes, job placement, transportation and community resources, referrals for regular health screenings, access to prenatal care, and postpartum support. Also, we are determined to make sure women, infants and fathers receive the comprehensive care they need through our fatherhood engagement.
To register with Indianapolis Healthy Start please email Michelle Morgan at MMorgan@MarionHealth.org
Nutrition Services
Nutrition Services program is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of both expectant mothers and their infants. It offers a variety of educational resources, which can be accessed through virtual classes and workshops or in-person demonstrations and home visits. These resources include guidance on balanced diets, meal planning, and food preparation techniques that focus on the essential nutrients required during pregnancy and early childhood.
Our program also takes referrals from community partners to support individuals dealing with diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities that can be positively impacted by dietary modifications. For a dietitian referral or breastfeeding support please contact Ashley Denton at ADenton@MarionHealth.org or phone 317.221.7403.
Indiana WIC
Our mission is to significantly reduce infant mortality in Marion County and to safeguard the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
We provide access to nutritious foods, essential education, and resources designed to promote healthy development during critical early years of development. WIC serves a vital role in the lives of families who may be facing financial hardship.
By offering supplemental foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products, WIC ensures that families receive essential nutrients for their growing children.
Our Directive
We are here to build strong communities and reduce infant mortality.