Smart Start Program
Mariposa County
Public Health Department
Mariposa County Health Department
4988 11th Street
PO Box 5
Mariposa, CA 95338
209-966-3689 or 1-800-459-4466
The Smart Start Program provides both personal and professional
assistance to expectant mothers. The goals are to improve the brain development and
health of children ages 0-5.
Age “0” includes fetuses and babies still in the uterus, whose development is improved by improving
the health of the mother’s pregnancy.
Specific program objectives, based upon Public Health indicators for Mariposa County are:
- Increase the percentage of pregnant women who receive prenatal care during their first trimester;
- Decrease the number of premature births;
- Increase nutritional development including use of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and breastfeeding;
- Reduce children’s exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke;
- Improve parenting skills of mothers and fathers, particularly regarding health and brain development, safety in the home, and family planning.
Michele DiDiego, Ruth McKinney, and Margarita King meet with mothers-to-be and help them with questions, anxieties, and information. Michele shared that there are three ways to access these services: 1) doctor’s referral 2) agency referral and 3) direct requests from pregnant mothers. Expectant mothers call the Mariposa Health Department with their concerns and are excited when they learn that someone will come to their home and meet with them personally.
Michele DiDiego is a RN, Nurse Practitioner and Ruth McKinney and Margarita King are Public Health Nurses that enjoy helping mothers-to-be prepare for their babies. During the home visits, the nurses emphasize not smoking and breast feeding. There is material presented on nutrition, the stages of pregnancy, and what to expect with labor and delivery. The atmosphere is one of sharing and building trust with the mothers, especially first time mothers. The nurses also provide follow-up on problem areas specially identified by the mother’s referring physician.
One expectant mother had a medical condition that called for different medications. Michele shared that she helped the mother organize her medication and feel more comfortable in controlling her environment and health. The Smart Start program is primarily educational in nature with scheduled visits. However, when there is a medical concern or need, Michele, Ruth and Margarita provide assistance and referrals for specialized help. One couple was dealing with genetic problems with their baby. Michele was able to consult resources and provide information and direction.
Teen pregnancy is a serious Public Health concern because pregnancy outcomes are sub-optimal among teen moms. Michele, Ruth, and Margarita are able to provide information, a positive relationship, and education throughout the pregnancy. There is a good feeling in helping these young girls go through their first pregnancy and child birth.
Michele shared that they continue to provide assistance and visitation after the baby is born. She often weighs and measures the baby and does Developmental testing to chart the baby’s brain and body development, thereby identifying problems early enough to correct them. The nurses also provide training on good parenting, stress management, coping skills, and reassurance to breast-feeding mothers. They discuss child development and school readiness skills to assist the mother in providing enriching and educational opportunities for the growing child.
If you are expecting a baby or know someone who is and would like to receive this personal assistance, please call the Mariposa Health Department at (209) 966-3689 and ask for either Ruth McKinney, Michele DiDiego, or Margarita King.