Pregnancy Support Available at All Stages

posted 3/28/23 -- Ohio has the tenth worst infant mortality rate in the U.S. and Black mothers and their babies are three times more likely to die.

LCCAA Head Start offers Pregnancy Support Services to help combat these alarming statistics. Community Health Worker Melissa Carroll walks with women through all stages of pregnancy and the first year of their child’s life.

“There are so many things in a woman’s life – in anyone’s life – that can affect their health and directly affect a pregnancy,” Carroll said. “I try to walk with them and empower them to make their own decisions.”

In each trimester, Carroll focuses on different ways to support the mother. Post partum care is also critical.

“Many times a woman has a baby and leaves the hospital and doesn’t see her doctor for six weeks,” she said. “There are a lot of things that happen in those six weeks.”

In addition to her training as a doula and her heart for helping mothers, Carroll has worked to create a group of mothers who can support each other.

“It just helps to have other women who are going through the same thing you are,” she said. “If they’re filled up, they can serve their children. Motherhood always changes.”

In addition to answering health care questions, Carroll can assist with basic needs such as housing, food, and more. Services are individualized for each woman and can begin at any stage of pregnancy.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Carroll at 440-457-0187 or [email protected].