Employee Wellness Programs: Focus on Prenatal Care and Breastfeeding

Advantages of Prenatal Care and Breastfeeding

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is particularly relevant to when  applied to preventive measures taken during pregnancy, when a few extra ounces of birth weight can save  a child’s life. During pregnancy, simple precautions can help avoid catastrophic results; giving up  tobacco use, for instance, drastically reduces the risk of miscarriage and pre-term labor.

The March of Dimes reports that if all women took adequate folic acid before conception and during  pregnancy, the number of babies born with a neural tube defect could drop by as much as 70%. The  physical and emotional benefits of proper prenatal care to a mother and child are underscored by a  strong employer case for offering prenatal wellness benefits. Nationwide’s Chief Medical Director, Dr.  Michael Moore, estimates costs to care for one baby delivered prematurely could approach $500,000.

First steps in fostering a prenatal program:
• Invite the March of Dimes to present information about prenatal health at an worker brownbag lunch or  breakfast meeting.
• Hold prenatal care information classes for interested employees at lunchtime.
• Provide educational materials about the effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco use on an unborn child.
• Provide incentives for adopting healthy lifestyles during pregnancy.
• Provide prenatal initiatives and education as part of the employer health care package.