of the
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

(402) 559-4500

The Maternal Care Program (MCP) of the University of Nebraska Medical Center provides comprehensive prenatal health care services for pregnant women. Although these services are available to all pregnant women, traditionally the focus has been for the economically disadvantaged and the target populations of adolescents and minorities.

The Maternal Care Program is federally funded through Title V Maternal Child Health Block grant funds and administered by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Title V legislation was enacted in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act and is the only federal legislation dedicated to promoting and improving the health of our nation’s mothers and children. Throughout the years, Title V has undergone several changes including the transfer of operations to the Public Health Services in 1969. In 1981, Title V became a block grant program as part of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act. This legislation gave the States more discretion in deciding how to use federal funds, allowing states to self-direct money to identify maternal and child health needs. In 1999, 3,118 pregnant women were served by the Nebraska Title V programs. The Maternal Care Program is one of 26 funded Nebraska Title V programs and UNMC has received Title V grant awards for the past 40+ years. The Program seeks to reduce barriers to accessing prenatal care, some of which are identified as lack of transportation, financial constraint, and psychosocial issues.

The Maternal Care Program provides accessible and affordable quality health care to over 1,000 pregnant women annually. One-third of the program participants are 19 years or younger and 59% of the total population are minority. To accomplish the goal of promoting healthy lifestyles in women of child-bearing age and reducing infant mortality the program focuses on performance measures that will increase the number of women seeking first trimester prenatal care, increase the number of planned pregnancies, and increase the awareness and availability of comprehensive reproductive health services.

Patients are seen at three neighborhood clinic locations, including the Olson Center for Women's Health in the Durham Outpatient Center at UNMC; UNMC Physicians at Baker Place at 5050 Ames Avenue; and, at the UNMC Community Health Center building at 5155 S. 36th Street. These clinics are located on public transportation routes to facilitate easier access to health care. Patients considered at a higher risk for medical complications are seen in the weekly High-Risk Obstetrics clinic staffed by a perinatologist and OB/GYN resident physicians.

The multidisciplinary staff includes OB/GYN staff physicians and medical residents, certified nurse midwives, registered nurses, social workers, a WIC dietitian, medical assistants, and clerical support staff. The social workers assist the program participants in obtaining financial assistance either through Medicaid or other alternatives. Social workers also provide psychosocial assessment, counseling, and referral throughout the patient’s pregnancy as well as completing an infant-psychosocial assessment and follow-up after delivery. A WIC dietitian provides nutritional assessment and counseling at the OB/GYN clinic location in addition to issuing food vouchers for women who qualify for this service. Prenatal education, including materials in both English and Spanish, are provided to all patients. The The Nebraska Medical Center's  Childbirth/Family Education Program offers classes on childbirth education, baby care and parenting, breastfeeding, and infant CPR and first aid to the Maternal Care participants. Teen and Spanish Childbirth Education classes are also offered.

The Olson Teen Pregnancy Education Program, the Stork’s Nest point-incentive program, the UNMC medical student-mentoring programs are also available to participants. These unique programs offer culturally sensitive care and support to Maternal Care patients. The Olson Teen Pregnancy Education Program sponsors monthly educational luncheons for expecting and new teen parents. Speakers, including pastors, teachers, health care professionals, and community leaders present, pertinent topics to the teen participants. The Stork’s Nest is sponsored by the March of Dimes, UNMC, and the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. This incentive program rewards healthy behaviors such as early and continued prenatal care, smoking and drug cessation, continued education, and child immunization. Patients earn points that are exchanged for baby care and personal items. The medical student mentoring program matches first and second year medical students with Maternal Care patients. These students follow their patients through their prenatal clinic appointments as well as through labor and delivery. This program offers emotional support to the patients as well as a valuable learning experience for the students.

The Maternal Care Program continues to provide comprehensive health care to program participants that are both culturally sensitive and family-centered. The multidisciplinary team is dedicated to assisting pregnant women access quality services that will provide for a positive pregnancy outcome. To schedule an appointment, please call (402) 559-4500.

Date last updated: August 1, 2005