Huntsville, AL-
“Text-4-Baby” came about because of alarming infant mortality data collected in 2009.
In January of that year, Alabama's infant mortality rate had jumped to double digits. That means for every 1,000 live births, at least 10 babies were dying within the first 28 days of life.
The Alabama Department of Public Health is sponsoring this
Text-4-Baby program in hopes to decrease the
infant mortality rate.
The Text-4-Baby program got its start through a national non-profit group called "
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies."
The group's mission is to improve outcomes for mothers and their babies.
"The most overwhelming thing that we see is that mothers are coming into pregnancy unhealthy," said Lisa Carter, one of the
ADPH's perinatal directors.
Now the Alabama Health Department’s "
Get A Healthy Life" program is encouraging mothers to sign up for Text-4-Baby.
This program makes is easy and convenient for health information to be delivered right to a mothers purse, or pocket.
Ramona Calhoun is 3-moths pregnant, and is excited to receive her tri-weekly health related text messages.
"I think it's a great program to help mothers who really don't know much about pregnancy, especially for new mothers. It's a good opportunity to help them with anything they forget," Calhoun said.
Expecting mothers will receive their text messages throughout their entire pregnancy.
After the baby is born, they can sign up again to receive text messages throughout the baby's first year of life.
"They are reminded about the importance of being healthy throughout their pregnancy, because the healthier you are, and the more positive things you do, then the outcome is going to be better. We want a healthy baby," said Carter.
The free Text-4-Baby program sends messages that are specifically tailored for the baby's unique due date. For instance: when you can expect to start feeling your baby move, when it’s time to buy a car-seat and how to wear your own seat belt.
The service is completely free. To sign up, simply text the word "BABY" to 511-411.
