Prenatal – Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department

Our Prenatal Program supports healthy pregnancies and healthy babies by providing education, resources, and personalized guidance throughout pregnancy.

EMBRACE - Prenatal Support Program

Empowering Mothers through Birth Resources, Advocacy, Care & Education.

The EMBRACE Prenatal Support Program supports pregnant women and their families by providing education, guidance, and resources during pregnancy and after birth. The program aims to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes through early support, regular follow-up, and connections to healthcare and community services.

Trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) work one-on-one with families to encourage early prenatal care, provide health education, answer questions, and help connect clients to the care and services they need. CHWs offer support throughout pregnancy and during the postpartum period.

The program serves pregnant women, with a focus on those who are in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Priority is given to individuals and families who may need additional support, including teens, low-income families, and those who have limited access to healthcare.

EMBRACE works closely with healthcare providers and community organizations to help families receive ongoing care and support. By building strong connections between healthcare and community services, the program helps families access resources from pregnancy through early parenthood.

Through education, support, and access to care, EMBRACE aims to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes, promote healthy infant development, strengthen family well-being, and reduce differences in maternal and infant health outcomes across the community.

Why it Matters

Education

Our prenatal support program provides evidence-based education to help families make informed decisions throughout pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. Topics include:

Maternal Nutrition and Prenatal Health – Guidance on healthy eating, hydration, physical activity, and habits that support a healthy pregnancy.
Warning Signs During Pregnancy – Education on recognizing symptoms that may require medical attention and when to contact a healthcare provider.
Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension – Information on risk factors, prevention strategies, management, and maintaining maternal and fetal health.
Birth Preparedness, Postpartum Care, and Mental Health Awareness – Support in preparing for labor and delivery, understanding postpartum recovery, and recognizing signs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Breastfeeding Preparation and Newborn Care – Education on infant feeding, bonding, newborn development, and essential infant care practices.
Importance of Dental Care – Information on oral health during pregnancy and the importance of dental care for both parents and children. See more information about our Oral Program by clicking here.

Through personalized education, resources, and support, we empower families with the knowledge and confidence needed for a healthy pregnancy, safe birth experience, and positive start to parenthood.

Supplies

Our prenatal support program helps connect families with essential supplies and educational resources to support healthy pregnancies and positive early parenting experiences. Supplies are provided in our office and can also be accessed through our Health Kiosks located at:

Short Stop, 1034 Main St., Wayne, NE 68787
Cubby’s, 701 4th St, Pender NE, 68047

Available items may include:

Educational Materials – Flyers, calendars, and other resources to support learning and healthy decision-making throughout pregnancy and early childhood.
Prenatal Vitamins – Available when supplies permit to help support maternal and fetal health.
Diapers, Wipes, and Diaper Cream – Basic infant care essentials to help meet the needs of growing families.
First Aid Kits – Basic supplies to support family health and safety.
Dental Kits – Oral health supplies to encourage healthy habits for parents and children.

Our goal is to reduce barriers to care by providing practical resources that support the health, safety, and well-being of both parents and children.

Screening & Monitoring

Our prenatal support program offers ongoing screening and monitoring services designed to promote healthy pregnancies and identify concerns early. Participants may receive optional tracking tools to help monitor weight gain, health goals, and overall well-being throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Regular in-home visits provide opportunities for Community Health Workers (CHWs) to:

Offer personalized support and education.
Answer questions and address concerns.
Monitor progress and encourage healthy behaviors.
Support continuity of care throughout pregnancy and after delivery.
Connect families with community resources and healthcare services when needed.

During each interaction, clients are screened for warning signs and potential pregnancy-related complications. When appropriate, referrals are made for clinical assessments, including:

Blood pressure monitoring
Blood glucose testing
Hemoglobin checks
Additional healthcare services as recommended by a medical provider

If danger signs or urgent health concerns are identified—such as heavy bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, or other symptoms requiring immediate attention—established referral protocols are activated to encourage prompt medical evaluation and help reduce the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

Through consistent monitoring, education, and support, we help families navigate pregnancy and the postpartum period with confidence while promoting healthier outcomes for parents and infants.