The Comprehensive Maternity Support Program provides expectant and new mothers with expansive ancillary and wraparound services during the perinatal period. Working with a care team, program participants receive perinatal health education, support with social service needs, care coordination, advocacy,  and parenting support during their pregnancy and throughout the infant’s first three months of life. 

CMSP will provide the following health and wellness interventions to expectant mothers:
  • Regular office and/or in home visits from a Perinatal Community Health Worker/Perinatal Family Support Worker.
  • Labor Support and in-home Postpartum Support (4 hours daytime and 8 hours overnight)
  • Support beyond a doctor or midwife such as nutrition, health and wellness coaching—Women will receive education and coaching on nutritional needs during pregnancy, and learn how to select quality pregnancy-safe foods, healthy weight gain, stress reduction.
  • Access to a variety of classes and support groups—Women will have access to classes such as perinatal fitness, childbirth education, newborn care/SIDS prevention, breastfeeding, and parenting skills. These classes and groups will focus on helping expectant mothers to maintain a healthy pregnancy by reducing pregnancy related morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and preeclampsia, increase infant bonding and increase the likelihood of positive birth outcomes. 
  • Breastfeeding Assistance—Mothers will receive education on the physiology and benefits of breastfeeding. Support groups and 1:1 lactation coaching is offered to provide social support systems designed to increase likelihood of initiation and duration. 
  • Access to essential maternity and postpartum mother and baby supplies, including breastfeeding supplies, clothes and newborn essentials
  • Mental Health Support (for individuals, couples, and co-parents)--Utilizing a strength-based approach, counseling will guide individuals and families through an exploration of feelings, expectations, and experiences. Through this process, participants will be provided with the tools to facilitate a healthy transition to parenthood.
  • Referrals to WIC, health insurance, and other community resources—Expecting mothers and their families will receive referrals to community-based organizations providing WIC, health insurance assistance, and other supportive services.
  • Complimentary therapies- Through program incentives, participants are able to earn credits towards massages, acupuncture, reiki, belly casting, and more.

​Who can be referred?
Any mother in the D.C. Metro Area can be referred to the CMSP. Those expected to gain the most benefit include: 
  1. A woman with a racially or ethnically diverse background including, Black or African American,  Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Latino or multiracial
  2. A woman with an array of psychosocial factors and social determinants that may impact her perinatal health
  3. A woman who has limited to no family or partner support; or limited socioeconomic resources
  4. A woman at risk for giving birth to a low birth-weight or preterm baby
  5. A woman with a variety of maternal morbidities 

What is the cost for this service?
We currently are in-network with AmeriHealth Caritas DC, Amerigroup DC, and Trusted Health Plan to deliver the CMSP. Members of these plans are 100% covered.  We have a limited number of pro-bono spaces per quarter for those without insurance or who are not covered by these plans.

I am a healthcare provider, can I refer a client?
We work collaboratively with all healthcare providers. If you would like to send over a patient, please use the "Make A Referral" link. Please provide your contact information as well, as we may contact you for additional information and for on-going collaboration. If you have an urgent request contact us via phone at 202-248-3434. 

Can I refer myself?
If you were not referred by your MCO, you can complete the "Make A Referral" form. The Intake Specialist will contact you within 2 business days. If you have an urgent request, contact us via phone.