For Pregnant and Post-Partum Women

 A Medically Tailored Meal Program is a specialized nutrition program to provide pregnant and post-partum women with meals that are customized to meet their specific health needs. These meals support optimal maternal and fetal health during pregnancy and post-partum recover

African American and Black Pregnant and Post-partum women (up 6 months post-delivery) are eligible for the program and are referred by Black Infant Health.

• Participants are referred by Black Infant Health to the program. Participants will receive meals, grocery box and local produce delivered to their home each week beginning February 5, 2024.
• An Innovative Health Solutions staff will call you to collect beginning information and to assign you to a Doula in January.
• A doula will then contact you to set up meetings in February to April.
• In May a post-survey will be conducted, and a gift card will be given.  

Meals provided through the program are designed to be rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats. The menu will support the nutritional demands of pregnancy and post-partum recovery. Special attention is given to incorporating foods that aid in fetal development and maternal well-being. Examples include jerk chicken, Asian chicken salad, pumpkin soup, and lamp spice bites.  
•    There will be vegetarian and gluten free options available if needed.  

Yes, the meals are carefully crafted to be safe and beneficial for both the mother and the baby. The program takes into consideration any dietary restrictions or specific health conditions, ensuring that the meals are aligned with the healthcare provider's recommendations.

Participants receive regular meal deliveries to maintain a consistent and supportive nutritional intake throughout their pregnancy and post-partum journey. Delivery will be on Monday’s each week. 7 meals will be delivered each week for 12 weeks.  The meals will be packed with ice packs, so you don’t have to be home to receive the meals.  
•    You will also get a text message from the food delivery organization that your food has arrived on your doorstep.
•    Delivery days are:  
•    February 5, 12, 19, 26
•    March 4, 11, 18, 25
•    April 1, 8, 15, 22
•    If you have any questions about the meals or food, you can call or text Innovative Health Solutions at 707-684-4376.  You can also let your Doula know and they will let Innovative Health Solutions know. 

There is no charge to participants to join this program.

The staff at Black Infant Health will assess your eligibility and enroll you in the program.

Yes, the program allows participants to communicate their dietary preferences and any restrictions they may have. The program will do their best to accommodate participants. Please note that preferences will be reviewed and the staff will let you know if accommodation will be possible.

During the enrollment and intake process, you will be asked about allergies and intolerance. Please share strong dislikes with our staff. Every attempt will be made to accommodate these preferences, yet, not all requests will be possible in this program.

The duration of participation is 12 weeks.  Currently, it is a one-time program with the hope of future funding.  

Call or text Innovative Health Solutions at 707-684-4376 to let IHS you will be gone and when you want to start up the meals again.  This information will be provided to you in your first week grocery box so you have it available if needed.  

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals or couples before, during, and after childbirth.

Doulas are birth workers who provide health education, advocacy, and physical, emotional and nonmedical support for pregnant and postpartum persons before, during and after childbirth (perinatal period) including support during miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion. Doulas are not licensed or clinical providers, and they do not require supervision.

Here are the primary roles and responsibilities of a doula:
•    Emotional Support: Doulas offer continuous emotional support to expectant parents. They provide reassurance, encouragement, and comfort throughout the entire birthing process.
•    Physical Support: Doulas use various comfort measures, such as massage, breathing techniques, and positioning suggestions, to help individuals cope with the physical challenges of labor.
•    Informational Support: Doulas provide evidence-based information about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They assist in creating birth plans, discuss available options, and answer questions to help parents make informed decisions.
•    Advocacy: Doulas advocate for the birthing person's wishes and preferences during labor and childbirth. While they don't provide medical care or make decisions for the parents, they support them in communicating effectively with healthcare providers.
•    Postpartum Support: Doulas may continue to provide support in the postpartum period, assisting with breastfeeding, newborn care, and helping the family adjust to the new dynamics.

**It's important to note that doulas do not replace medical professionals, such as doctors or midwives, and they do not perform clinical tasks. Instead, they complement the medical care provided by offering continuous support and focusing on the emotional and physical well-being of the birthing person and their partner.

Doulas can be hired independently by expectant parents, or they may work in collaboration with healthcare providers in hospitals or birthing centers. The presence of a doula has been associated with various benefits, including shorter labors, reduced need for medical interventions, and increased satisfaction with the childbirth experience.

As a Direct Service Doula, the conversations will revolve around ensuring the well-being of the perinatal women, providing educational support, and empowering them to have a healthy pregnancy.

Throughout these discussions, the Doula's aim is to provide unwavering support, share valuable knowledge, and empowering the women to have a positive and healthy pregnancy experience. The personalized care and guidance they receive will contribute significantly to the success of the program and enhance their overall journey towards motherhood.

The duration of participation is 12 weeks. You must complete (over the phone) the pre-survey, attend all 5 trauma informed nutrition sessions, at least 3 additional sessions and complete the post survey with your doula (all sessions can be over the phone) to receive the $100 gift card at the end of the program.