The Better Birth Outcomes program (BBO) is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of expecting mothers and their babies through prenatal supportive services. Focused on caring for those mothers most at risk for poor pregnancy outcomes, BBO aims to:
- Reduce the incidence of infant disease and death resulting from lack of adequate prenatal care;
- Improve pregnancy outcomes;
- Decrease the incidence of premature birth and low birth weight.
BBO offers support for expecting mothers by providing:
- Individualized care with a knowledgeable RN/Case Manager
- Education on fostering a healthy, full-term pregnancy
- Breastfeeding education & support
- Coordinated care with the mother’s healthcare provider
- Assistance with selected transportation expenses
- Referrals to additional supportive services & other identified needs
BBO offers support for growing babies by providing:
- Nutrition education & support via the WIC program
- Lead testing
- Immunizations
- Assessment for developmental & emotional delays with referrals for early intervention services as needed
- Ongoing breastfeeding support & referral to Breastfeeding Peer Counselor as needed
- Guidance & support navigating Illinois’ All Kids health insurance
Eligibility
Participants eligible for BBO include pregnant women with the following risk factors:
- Medical condition (examples: diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, lupus, etc.)
- Smoking, Vaping, drug or alcohol use
- Previous miscarriage or premature birth
- Third child in 3½years
- Pregnant with twins or triplets
- History of HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases
- Over 40 years or under 15 years of age
- Previously/currently abused by anyone
- Homeless
- Previously incarcerated
- Previous/current involvement with DCFS