Services
Stork's Nest
A healthy baby starts with a healthy pregnancy, which is why Baltimore Washington Medical Center has partnered with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the March of Dimes Maryland Chapter and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Rho Eta chapter to offer the county's first Stork's Nest program. The goal of the program is to prevent premature births, low birth weight babies and infant mortality.
Stork's Nest offers eight, hour-long education classes held at the Pascal Women's Center at Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Class topics include the importance of prenatal care, what to expect during labor and delivery, basic infant care and safe sleeping. The program uses a point-based incentive system to encourage women to attend Stork's Nest educational classes, prenatal care appointments, and to adopt healthy behaviors. These points can then be used to purchase a variety of infant care items including clothing, bath tubs, car seats, etc. at the Stork's Nest store.
Women can continue to earn points after their babies are born by taking them to well-baby checkups and making sure they receive immunizations on time. Participants earn points until their babies are one year old.
Any pregnant woman in Anne Arundel County is eligible to participate, but the program's emphasis is on engaging pregnant women who do not receive regular prenatal care and are at an elevated risk for having a low birth weight baby or premature birth - potential causes of infant mortality.
Classes are offered in both English and Spanish. All participants need to register by calling the Stork's Nest program coordinator, Andrea Lynn, at 410-787-4366.
