HOME VISITING: Every Mom and Mom to Be Should Understand Birth Spacing

Birth spacing is when a woman gives her body enough time to recover between pregnancies. A mother’s body needs to rest after pregnancy. Moms should wait at least 18 months after one baby is born before getting pregnant again.

Sometimes mothers get pregnant too soon after giving birth. This makes it difficult for babies to be as healthy as possible. The risks of getting pregnant too soon include prematurity and other poor birth outcomes that may lead to infant mortality.

Unplanned pregnancy is a major barrier to birth spacing. Families should learn their options to prevent unexpected pregnancy by contacting their doctor or speaking with a professional. Help Me Grow is a great program for families looking for help. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to Help Me Grow. This free contact line can help you find the right resources for you and your family!

There are other programs that can help you get ready for before, during, and after pregnancy. Research has shown that home visiting is one of the most effective programs. It has been proven that home visiting increases spacing between pregnancies. Providers can learn more information about home visiting with the Home Visiting Annual Report, a comprehensive document that identifies resources to support Delaware families in need. Providers may also order FREE materials to suggest home visiting to families here.

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