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Shower your baby with love
Benefits of Breastfeeding
As part of our mission to support and strengthen families, the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County is committed to educating parents about the benefits of breastfeeding.
We also have advocated for more local businesses and organizations to support breastfeeding mothers in their facilities. Take a look at this video to learn about the highlights of these important initiatives.
Education Classes
Hosted by the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County
Join us for these classes designed to support the healthy development of your child":
Indianapolis Healthy Start Sleep for Your Baby
9 a.m. (Every 1st and 3rd Friday)
6 p.m. (Every 4th Thursday)
Indianapolis Healthy Start Tobacco & Pregnancy
5 p.m. (Every 4th Thursday)
Indianapolis Healthy Start for Your Baby Parenting 101
6 p.m. (Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday)
In-persons classes held at:
Interchurch Building, Room 145
1100 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis 46208
Please call to register: (317) 926-1170
(Indianapolis Healthy Start For Your Baby Car Seat Training available upon request. Please call (317) 926-1170).
The Minority Health Coalition of Marion County partners with Indianapolis Healthy Start (IHS), whic offers education referral and support services to pregnant women and their families. Our goal is to eliminate the disparities in the birth outcomes and infant survival rates in Marion County. Indianapolis Healthy Start offers three main services:
Case Management
Health Education
Outreach
Services are offered at several locations, including the Action Health Center, Citizens Health Center, Marion County Public Health Department, Women's Visit Center Urgent Care, Minority Health Coalition of Marion County and Eskenazi Primary Care Center.
The following programs are free!
Our Programs
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Safe Sleep Class
The Minority Health Coalition of Marion County offers a Safe Sleep Class three times a month, on the second and fourth Fridays at 9 a.m. and the third Tuesday at 6 p.m. Classes are held at 4087 Millersville Rd.
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Baby & Me Tobacco Program
Participants enrolled in our Baby & Me Tobacco Program complete four prenatal tobacco quit sessions. If they stay smoke free after the baby is born, participants receive a monthly voucher for free diapers, for up to 12 months.
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Me, Myself & I
The Marion County Health Coalition of Marion County offers a Me, Myself, and I 10-week self-esteem program that meets once a week for a hour. This program is for middle school-aged youth and up.
Want to enroll in a class? Or need more info?
Contact Mary Payton, Health Educator at
mpayton@myhealthmc.org or 317-926-1170
Make it stand out.
Case Management
• One on one support for pregnant women from birth until the child is
two years old.
• Provide in-home services when needed.
• Information and referrals for community and medical resources.
• Assist with tips for dealing with stress.
• Resources for dads.
There are three main services offered by Indianapolis Healthy Start:
Health Education
• Provide information to improve the health of families before, during and
after pregnancy.
• Infant safety and parenting classes.
• Additional educational workshops are offered in clinics, schools,
churches, community centers and other locations.
• All classes are free and open to the public.
Outreach
• Increase community awareness about problems and solutions regarding
infant health.
• Encourage pregnant women to get care as soon as they know they are
pregnant.
• Volunteer opportunities available to assist in saving the lives of Marion
County infants.
Breast is best.
Here’s why:
Breast milk is free.
Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses than formula fed babies.
Breastfeeding helps you lose weight.
Studies show that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of uterine, cervical, ovarian and breast cancer.