Resource Mothers seeks to lower infant deaths and low birth weight rates in Virginia’s pregnant and parenting teens. Any pregnant teen, 19 years or younger, is eligible for the program. The program's main goal is to improve birth outcomes for the teen and the baby.
Resource Mothers promotes:
- Early entry into prenatal care
- Smoking cessation
- Drug and alcohol avoidance
- Healthy nutrition
- Up-to-date immunizations for baby and mom
- Regular health care for the infant
- Return to school or work for the teen
- Delay repeat pregnancy
- The development of a stable home for the teen and her baby (with the help of family and the baby’s father)
The Resource Mother is a community health worker who develops a supportive mentoring relationship with the teen and her family. From the prenatal period through the infant’s first birthday, the resource mother provides health education; discusses ways to prevent infant injury; models daily living skills; encourages constructive decision making and life-planning; connects the teen to community resources; and provides guidance to assist the teen in making a successful transition to parenthood. The Resource Mother has weekly contact with the teen and her family.
This program uses a two-generation or three-generation approach to serve target populations. Educational and support services are also available to other family members such as the partner, the teen's parents, and the infant. Resource Mothers uses two resources to guide the program: Growing Great Kids and AIM 4 Teen Moms.
