In Maine, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for overseeing maternal, infant, and child health services. Within DHHS, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) manages various programs aimed at promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children.
Contact Information:
Address: 109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333
Phone: (207) 287-3707
Fax: (207) 287-3005
TTY: Maine relay 711
The DHHS operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers a variety of state-sponsored programs aimed at supporting maternal, infant, and child health. Here is a comprehensive list of these programs:
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program: Overseen by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), this program focuses on improving the health of women, infants, and children through various initiatives.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program: Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy foods for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.
Children with Special Health Needs (CSHN) Program: Supports children and youth with special healthcare needs by offering resources and care coordination services.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) – VitalCare for Kids: Ensures that MaineCare members under 21 receive necessary health services, including preventive and developmental care.
MaineMOM Program: Aims to improve care for pregnant and postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder and their infants by integrating maternal and substance use treatment services.
Perinatal Health Program: Focuses on the health of women and babies before, during, and after birth, working with healthcare providers and community agencies to enhance perinatal health outcomes.
Health Homes Program: Offers care coordination and management services for individuals with chronic conditions, including pregnant women and children, through a team-based approach.
Help Me Grow Maine: Provides a free information line linking families and professionals to resources on child development, pregnancy, and community services for children up to age 8.
CradleME: Connects Maine families to free services during pregnancy and postpartum to support parents and their babies.
Count the Kicks: Aims to prevent stillbirths by educating expectant parents on tracking fetal movements during the third trimester.
Maternal, Fetal, and Infant Mortality Review Panel (MFIMR): Reviews cases of maternal, fetal, and infant deaths to identify factors contributing to mortality and develop prevention strategies.
These programs collectively work to enhance the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children in Maine by providing essential services, education, and support.
Maine offers a comprehensive network of perinatal healthcare providers and services to support expectant and new parents. They include:
Perinatal Providers
Physicians
Obstetricians (OB-GYNs) specialize in managing both routine and high-risk pregnancies. They are available in hospitals and clinics throughout Maine. Family Practice Physicians also offer maternity care, including deliveries and are mostly rural hospitals and clinics. They usually care for low-risk pregnancies and collaborate with OBs for higher-risk cases. Notable institutions include:
- Maine Medical Center (Portland): Offers comprehensive obstetric services, including a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor): Provides maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal intensive care services.
- InterMed (Portland): The largest OB-GYN practice in Greater Portland, offering a range of obstetrical and gynecological healthcare services.
Nurses and Midwives
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and licensed direct-entry midwives focus on patient-centered care with fewer medical interventions. Notable midwifery services include:
- Maine Medical Center (Portland): Employs certified nurse-midwives as part of their maternity care team.
- Northern Light Women's Health (Bangor): Offers midwifery services alongside obstetrical care.
Physician Assistants (PAs)
PAs collaborate with doctors to provide prenatal care, routine checkups, and postpartum support in both urban and rural areas. Many community health clinics and rural hospitals employ PAs to improve accessibility for pregnant women.
Other Perinatal Professionals
Doulas
Doulas offer non-medical emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Key organizations include:
- Birth Roots (Portland): Provides a community-based approach to prenatal and postpartum support, including doula services.
Home Visitors
Home visiting programs support maternal health, breastfeeding, and infant care. Key programs include:
- CradleME: A free service connecting new parents and caregivers with home-based or virtual support. - Maine Families Home Visiting Program: Offers free home visits to all new families, providing support for parenting, breastfeeding, nutrition, and more.
Behavioral Health Professionals
Mental health support is crucial for addressing postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress management. The Maine Chapter of Postpartum Support International offers an online directory of qualified perinatal mental health professionals.
Lactation Consultants
Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) help mothers navigate breastfeeding challenges. Services include:
- Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition: Provides resources and support for breastfeeding families.
- Local Lactation Services (Portland): Various providers offer lactation support, such as Joyful Birthing & Beyond and The Lactation Circle.
Rural and Tribal Healthcare Support
Rural Maternity Care: Pregnant women in rural Maine benefit from:
MaineHealth Perinatal Outreach Education and Consultation (POEC) Services: Provides education and consultation to perinatal care providers across the state, enhancing care quality in rural areas.
Tribal Healthcare Support
For Maine’s Native American population:
Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness: Offers culturally tailored maternal health resources and support to Wabanaki communities.
These resources reflect Maine's commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible perinatal care across the state.
In Maine, expectant families have access to a variety of birthing options tailored to their preferences and medical needs. Here's an overview:
Hospitals:
Maine's hospitals offer family-centered care with private rooms designed for labor, delivery, and recovery, ensuring a comfortable environment for families with quality and compassionate care. These facilities provide advanced medical support, including high-risk pregnancy care and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Birth Centers:
Birth centers in Maine offer a comfortable, low-intervention setting with experienced midwives, catering to families seeking a natural birth experience in a homelike environment.
Home Births:
For families preferring a private and familiar setting, licensed midwives in Maine provide home birth services, offering personalized prenatal, birth, and postpartum care for low-risk pregnancies. These midwives often integrate both medical and naturopathic approaches to support natural childbirth in the comfort of your home.
In Maine, several health insurance options are available to assist with the costs of pregnancy and childbirth care:
1. MaineCare (Medicaid): MaineCare offers comprehensive health coverage for eligible pregnant individuals, including:
- Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Comprehensive services before and after childbirth.
- Labor and Delivery Services: Coverage for hospitalization and related expenses.
- Income Eligibility: Pregnant individuals may qualify with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Presumptive Eligibility: Immediate coverage for up to 60 days while completing the full application process.
2. Health Insurance Marketplace Plans:
Through CoverME.gov, Maine's Health Insurance Marketplace, you can:
- Special Enrollment Periods: Pregnancy qualifies you to enroll outside the standard open enrollment period.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Marketplace plans cover maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits.
- Financial Assistance: Depending on income, subsidies may be available to reduce premium costs.
3. Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Many employers offer health insurance plans that include maternity coverage. It's important to review your plan's specifics, as coverage details and costs can vary.
4. Limited Family Planning Benefit
MaineCare's Limited Benefit covers services for individuals wishing to prevent pregnancy or control the timing of pregnancies, including:
- Eligibility: Not pregnant, with certain income guidelines.
- Services Covered: Yearly physicals, various birth control methods, and many reproductive/sexual health care services.
5. Medicare Savings Program
For individuals with Medicare and limited income, this program helps pay for premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for maternity-related services.
Next Steps:
- Apply for MaineCare: Visit the MaineCare Application page for online applications and detailed information.
- Explore Marketplace Options: Visit CoverME.gov to compare plans, check eligibility for financial assistance, and apply for coverage.
- Review Employer Benefits: Consult your employer's human resources department to understand available maternity coverage options.
It's advisable to assess your healthcare needs, review coverage options, and consult with insurance advisors or healthcare providers to determine the best plan for your pregnancy and childbirth care.
These laws and programs aim to support pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities in Maine.
Pregnancy and Work:
Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination:
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it illegal for any employer in the U.S. with 15 or more workers to treat employees unfairly because they are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have experienced pregnancy loss. That means:
Your boss can’t fire you or cut your hours when they find out that you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. You also have the right to be free from harassment at work because you are pregnant.
If your employer asks you about your pregnancy or plans to have children in a job interview, that may be evidence of pregnancy discrimination.
Your employer can’t treat you differently from other workers just because you are pregnant or have experienced pregnancy loss.
The Maine Human Rights Act also bans discrimination based on pregnancy and medical conditions which can result from pregnancy. It covers all employers, regardless of size.
Workplace Accommodations:
f you are working and pregnant, recovering from childbirth, pumping milk, or have a related medical condition, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act can help you protect your health and the health of your pregnancy, without losing your job.
Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a nationwide law, most workers have a right to “reasonable accommodations,” or temporary changes at work. You do not need to have a disability or pregnancy complication to be eligible for an accommodation.
Under the Maine Act to Protect Pregnant Workers, no matter the size of your employer, if you need a “reasonable accommodation” because of your pregnancy or childbirth, your employer has to give it to you unless it would be really difficult or expensive (an “undue hardship”).
Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers:
In Maine, workplace safety for pregnant workers is protected under the Maine Human Rights Act. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, which may include:
- Modified Work Duties: If a pregnant employee requests it, employers may need to modify job duties to ensure the safety and health of the employee and the unborn child.
- Flexible Breaks: Pregnant workers may request more frequent breaks or a change in their work schedule to accommodate their needs during pregnancy.
- Temporary Transfers: If a pregnant employee is unable to perform her usual job due to pregnancy-related conditions, employers may need to provide a temporary transfer to a less strenuous position.
- Access to Facilities: Employers should ensure that pregnant employees have access to necessary facilities, such as restrooms and areas to sit down if needed.
Taking Time Off Work:
If you are covered, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off of work per year to address your own serious health needs (including pregnancy), bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill or injured family member, or address certain military family needs—without losing your job (or your health insurance, if you have it). While you are on leave, if you receive health insurance through your employer, you have the right to keep your health insurance benefits.
When you return to work, you have the right to return to the same or a very similar job, unless you fall into a narrow exception.
If you have accrued paid leave from your employer, you may choose to use that paid time off concurrently with your FMLA time. Your employer can also require you to use your paid leave—including paid vacation, personal, or sick days—while you are taking FMLA leave. The Maine Act to Protect Pregnant Workers may also give you the right to unpaid, job-protected time off work as a “reasonable accommodation.”
The Maine Human Rights Act bans disability discrimination at all workplaces regardless of size. Should your disability require some changes to your position, your boss must provide you with a reasonable accommodation so that you can perform your job, unless it would be very difficult or expensive for them to do so. A reasonable accommodation can include anything from changes to your workspace to modifying your work schedule to restructuring your job.
Pregnancy Leave:
If you are covered, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off of work per year to address your own serious health needs (including pregnancy), bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill or injured family member, or address certain military family needs—without losing your job (or your health insurance, if you have it).
Returning to Work with a Baby:
Maine has passed a paid family leave policy, which began collecting premiums in January 2025 and will start paying benefits in May 2026. This means that if you are planning to take leave for the birth of your child, you will be able to access paid leave benefits starting in 2026. Until then, you may want to explore other options, such as short-term disability or any employer-provided leave policies that may be available to you.
Job Protection: Maine law prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, meaning you cannot be terminated solely due to your pregnancy or related conditions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you may have grounds for a claim.
Consulting Resources: It may be beneficial to consult with a legal expert or local advocacy group for personalized advice and support regarding your rights and options as you prepare to return to work.
Workplace Protections for New Parents:
Under the Maine Human Rights Act, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. This includes modifications to work duties, flexible breaks, and temporary transfers if necessary. These accommodations help ensure that new parents can manage their health and work responsibilities effectively.
Maine law prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions. This means that new parents cannot be terminated solely due to their pregnancy or the need to take leave for the birth of their child. If you believe you have faced discrimination, you may have grounds for a claim.
Employment Termination:
Maine law prohibits discrimination against employees based on pregnancy. This means that an employer cannot terminate a pregnant employee solely due to her pregnancy or related conditions. If a pregnant employee is terminated, she may have grounds for a discrimination claim under the Maine Human Rights Act.
Support for Parents in Maine:
In Maine, there are several forms of support available for parents, particularly new parents, to help them navigate the challenges of parenthood. Here are some key resources and support systems:
Paid Family Leave: Maine has enacted a paid family leave policy that began collecting premiums in January 2025 and will start paying benefits in May 2026. This program will provide financial support to parents taking time off to care for their newborns or newly adopted children.
Child Care Assistance: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services offers child care assistance programs to help families afford quality child care. This includes subsidies for low-income families to help cover the costs of childcare services.
Parenting Resources: Various organizations in Maine provide parenting resources, including parenting classes, support groups, and educational materials. These resources can help new parents learn about child development, health, and effective parenting strategies.
Health Care Services: MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, provides health coverage for eligible low-income families, including prenatal and postnatal care for mothers and children. This ensures that parents have access to necessary health services during and after pregnancy.
Community Support Programs: Many local organizations and non-profits offer support programs for parents, including home visiting programs, family support services, and parenting workshops. These programs can provide valuable assistance and a sense of community for new parents.
Legal Protections: Maine law protects new parents from discrimination based on pregnancy and requires reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. This legal framework helps ensure that parents can return to work without fear of losing their jobs due to their parental status.
Breastfeeding-related Rights:
In Maine, breastfeeding-related rights are protected under state law. Here are the key points regarding these rights:
- Right to Breastfeed: Maine law allows a mother to breastfeed her child in any public or private location where she is authorized to be. This means that you have the right to breastfeed your child in places like parks, restaurants, and other public spaces without facing discrimination or harassment.
- Workplace Accommodations: Employers in Maine are required to provide reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding employees. This includes providing a private space (other than a bathroom) for breastfeeding or expressing milk. Employers should also allow flexible breaks for breastfeeding or pumping milk during work hours.
- Protection from Discrimination: Maine law prohibits discrimination against breastfeeding mothers. This means that you cannot be treated unfairly or harassed because you are breastfeeding or expressing milk.
- Supportive Resources: Various organizations and health departments in Maine offer resources and support for breastfeeding mothers, including lactation consultations, support groups, and educational materials.
These laws and programs aim to support pregnant workers and new parents as they balance work and family responsibilities in Maine.
Breastfeeding in Maine
Breastfeeding in Maine is supported by a range of laws, programs, and resources designed to ensure that parents can breastfeed their infants safely and comfortably, whether at home or in public.
Legal Protections for Breastfeeding
Exemptions from public indecency laws and jury duty:
Breastfeeding mothers can request a deferment for jury duty for up to one year (and renew it if still breastfeeding).
Right to Breastfeed in Public:
Any person in Maine has the right to breastfeed their child in any public or private place they’re allowed to be. This ensures that mothers can breastfeed without facing discrimination or harassment.
Workplace Protections for Breastfeeding:
The federal FLSA’s PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act protects all breastfeeding employees, but Maine already has a strong workplace lactation accommodation law. Employers in Maine are required to support all breastfeeding employees by providing break time and a space (other than a bathroom) to pump at work for up to three years after childbirth (the PUMP Act is one year). Read this for more details. In 2019 Maine added legislation that further protects pregnant and breastfeeding employees in the workplace.
In addition to the federal FLSA’s PUMP Act that provides workplace lactation accommodation protections for all breastfeeding employees, Maine law provides an extra level of support.
Support for Breastfeeding Families (Including Education and Awareness)
The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition’s mission is to “enhance the culture of breastfeeding around the state through professional networking, advocacy, and education.” Visit U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for a full list of state breastfeeding coalitions.
WIC Program: The Maine WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program offers support for breastfeeding mothers, including education, counseling, and access to lactation consultants. WIC provides resources to help mothers successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
Community Support: Local health departments and community organizations often host breastfeeding support groups and educational programs. These groups can provide valuable peer support and information for new mothers.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Maine has initiatives aimed at promoting breastfeeding as a healthy choice for mothers and infants. These campaigns often focus on the benefits of breastfeeding and provide information on local resources available to support breastfeeding families.
Lactation Consultants: Many hospitals and clinics in Maine have lactation consultants available to assist new mothers with breastfeeding challenges and provide personalized support.
For more detailed information, you may want to consult local health departments or breastfeeding advocacy organizations in Maine.
https://www.ncsl.org/health/breastfeeding-state-laws#:~:text=Alaska%20Stat.,are%20otherwise%20authorized%20to%20be.
In Maine, ensuring infants sleep safely is a top priority, with guidelines aligning closely with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These practices aim to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents.
Safe Sleep Practices for Infants
Sleep Position: Always place your baby on their back for all sleep times—naps and nighttime. This position significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
Sleep Surface: Use a firm, flat mattress covered with a tight-fitting sheet in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard. Avoid placing infants to sleep on soft surfaces like couches, armchairs, or adult beds.
Crib Environment: Keep the crib free from soft objects and loose bedding. This includes pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed toys, and other items that could pose a suffocation hazard.
Room Sharing: It's recommended that infants sleep in the same room as their parents, but on a separate sleep surface, for at least the first six months. This practice can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Avoid Bed-Sharing: Do not share a bed with your baby. Bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS.
Sleep Aids: Avoid using car seats, swings, infant carriers, or other sitting devices for routine sleep. These are not designed for safe sleep and can increase the risk of positional asphyxia.
Temperature Regulation: Dress your baby in appropriate sleep clothing, like a wearable blanket, and keep the room at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating. Signs of overheating include sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
Pacifier Use: Offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS. If breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier.
Tummy Time: While babies should sleep on their backs, supervised tummy time during awake periods is essential for developing strong neck and shoulder muscles.
Maine's Commitment to Safe Sleep
All 26 birthing hospitals in Maine have achieved Safe Sleep Certification, making Maine the second state nationally to reach this milestone. This certification ensures that hospitals adhere to best practices in educating parents about safe sleep environments.
Maine offers several resources and programs to promote safe sleep practices for infants and assist families in accessing appropriate sleep spaces:
Safe Sleep Education and Guidelines
Maine Safe Sleep Campaign:
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has initiated the Safe Sleep Campaign to educate caregivers on the "ABCs of Safe Sleep":
Alone: Babies should sleep alone in their own crib, bassinet, or portable crib.
Back: Always place babies on their backs for every sleep.
Crib: Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib free of toys, pillows, blankets, or bumper pads.
Danger: Be aware of additional risks such as exposure to smoke, alcohol, or drugs.
Safe Sleep Maine:
This initiative provides comprehensive information on creating a safe sleep environment for infants. The website emphasizes the importance of a clean, clear crib and offers resources tailored for parents, caregivers, and professionals.
Cribs for Kids Program:
Maine collaborates with the national Cribs for Kids organization to provide safe sleep education and distribute portable cribs (cribettes) to families in need. The program aims to ensure that all infants have a safe sleep environment, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Maine Children's Trust: As an affiliate of Cribs for Kids, the trust coordinates the statewide distribution of free pack 'n play cribs to families in need, ensuring infants have a safe sleep environment.
Safe Sleep Hospital Certification:
All birthing hospitals in Maine have achieved Safe Sleep Certification through the Cribs for Kids program. This certification reflects the hospitals' commitment to educating families about safe sleep practices and providing resources such as wearable blankets and safe sleep spaces.
Maine Safe Sleep Kit Program
This program ensures that all families, regardless of background or financial capacity, have access to safe sleep education and a kit containing a cribette, fitted sheet, and sleep sack. The goal is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by increasing access to safe sleeping environments.
Infant Safe Sleep & Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Coalition
This coalition aims to reduce and eliminate injuries and deaths resulting from unsafe sleep practices and abusive head trauma through education, training, awareness, and community engagement.
Educational Materials and Outreach
The Maine DHHS promotes the Safe Sleep Campaign through various channels, including social media awareness campaigns and distribution of educational materials like safe sleep board books to birthing hospitals and community groups working with pregnant women.
Families seeking assistance with obtaining a safe sleep space for their infant are encouraged to contact their local healthcare provider or hospital to learn more about available resources and programs in their area.
Maine offers a variety of resources and programs to assist pregnant women, mothers, and families in need of housing support. Here are some organizations and initiatives that provide such assistance:
Mother Seton House
Services: Provides free housing and support for pregnant women and new mothers in need, including a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
Life House Maine
Services: Offers residential homes for expectant mothers, sheltering them through pregnancy and supporting them while raising their babies through the first year.
Godparent Home Ministries
Services: Provides housing and support for pregnant women, recognized as a homeless shelter by the Maine State Housing Authority, which aids in achieving housing assistance during transition.
MaineHousing's Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance
Services: Supports various emergency shelters across the state and offers programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance to income-eligible tenants.
Maine Families Home Visiting Program
Maine Families offers free home visiting services to all families expecting a child or with a newborn. The program provides information, encouragement, and support on topics related to health, nutrition, safety, development, and well-being.
Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers
Located in Waterville, this nonprofit agency provides education, counseling, adoption services, daycare, and early childhood education for pregnant teens and teen parents. They also offer an alternative high school program for pregnant teens and teen parents.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Services: Offers cash assistance to families with dependent children and pregnant women while they work towards self-sufficiency.
MaineMOM Program
Services: Provides coordinated care for pregnant and parenting individuals, including referrals for housing, healthcare, and transportation services.
211 Maine
Services: A free and confidential helpline offering information about local community resources to help families and individuals meet their needs, including housing assistance.
Emergency Shelters
MaineHousing supports numerous emergency shelters across the state, providing immediate assistance to those in crisis. For a comprehensive list of shelters and their contact information, visit the MaineHousing Emergency Shelters page: . Additionally, dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211 Maine can connect you with local resources.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
MaineHousing's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program offers rental assistance to income-eligible tenants by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent and utilities. This program enables participants to secure safe and affordable housing. More details are available here:
For immediate assistance and to explore more options tailored to your specific needs, contacting 211 Maine by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website can connect you with local resources and support services.
Maine offers a variety of food assistance and nutrition education programs specifically designed to support pregnant women and nursing mothers. Here are some key resources:
1. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program The WIC program provides comprehensive support to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five. Services include:
Nutrition Education, Breastfeeding Support, Supplemental Healthy Foods, Referrals to Healthcare and Social Services.
WIC food benefits encompass items like milk, cheese, eggs, cereals, peanut butter or dried beans, fruit or vegetable juices, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads and tortillas. In the summer, vouchers are provided for fresh produce from Maine farmers. Women who exclusively breastfeed may receive additional foods, including canned fish.
2. Maine SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education)
Maine SNAP-Ed offers free nutrition education to income-eligible individuals and families, focusing on healthy eating and physical activity. Programs are available in various community settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and community centers.
3. CradleME
CradleME is a free service that connects pregnant individuals and new parents with home-based or virtual support services, including nutrition education and breastfeeding support. It's a collaborative effort among various programs aimed at helping families thrive.
4. Maine Families Home Visiting Program
This program offers free home visits to all families expecting a child or with a newborn. Services include information and support on health, nutrition, safety, development, and well-being.
5. MaineHealth Parent Education and Resources
MaineHealth offers a range of classes and resources to support new parents during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. These include online breastfeeding classes and other educational materials.
For personalized assistance and to explore more resources, contacting 211 Maine by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website at 211 Maine is highly recommended.
Maine offers a variety of resources and initiatives to support mental health and emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Here are some key programs and organizations:
Maine Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI-ME): PSI-ME focuses on raising awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, families, and support systems across Maine. They offer resources, support, and volunteer opportunities for those interested in contributing to maternal mental health initiatives.
MaineMOM Program: This initiative by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services aims to enhance care for pregnant and postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder and their infants. MaineMOM integrates maternal and substance use treatment services, providing a team-based approach that includes perinatal providers, substance use counselors, patient navigators, and behavioral health clinicians.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Available 24/7, this free and confidential service offers support to pregnant and new mothers experiencing mental health challenges. Trained counselors provide immediate assistance and connect callers to local resources.
Phone: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline: PSI offers a helpline for individuals seeking support for perinatal mental health issues.
Phone: 1-800-944-4773
211 Maine: A free, confidential information and referral service that connects individuals across Maine to local services, including mental health support during and after pregnancy.
Maine Maternal Counseling and Psychotherapy: Specializing in maternal mental health, this practice offers counseling services for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Email: Therapy@MaineMaternal.com
Phone/Text: 207-274-7519
Perinatal Outreach Education and Consultation (POEC) Services: Offered by MaineHealth, this program provides services to healthcare providers caring for pregnant individuals and their newborns, ensuring they receive appropriate mental health support.
Psychology Today – Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in Maine: A directory listing therapists specializing in pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum mental health, allowing individuals to find local professionals suited to their needs.
Ensuring timely vaccinations is essential for the health and well-being of both pregnant women and children in Maine. Vaccines protect against various diseases that can have serious health implications. Below is an overview of recommended vaccinations:
Vaccination for Pregnant Women
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Administered annually, the flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and helps protect both the mother and baby from influenza, which can be severe during pregnancy.
Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): It's recommended for pregnant women to receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between the 27th and 36th week of gestation. This helps protect newborns from whooping cough (pertussis), which can be life-threatening.
RSV Preventive Antibody (Nirsevimab): In Maine, RSV preventive antibodies are administered through March to protect infants younger than 8 months of age from RSV infections.
Vaccination for Infants and Children
- DTaP Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis): Administered at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, and again at 4-6 years.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Given at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months.
- Polio Vaccine (IPV): Scheduled at 2, 4, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
- MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): Administered at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: Given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
- Hib Vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b): Scheduled at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Given at 2, 4, and sometimes 6 months.
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended annually for children aged 6 months and older.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Approved for children aged 6 months and older; consult with a pediatrician for guidance.
Maine Immunization Resources:
Maine Immunization Program: Provides comprehensive information on immunization schedules, requirements, and resources for both pregnant women and children.
MaineHealth Vaccination Services: Offers vaccination services and educational resources to ensure timely immunizations.
Where to get vaccinated or vaccination support
In Maine, ensuring that pregnant women and children receive appropriate vaccinations is a priority, with several resources available to facilitate access to immunization services.
1. Maine Immunization Program (MIP): The MIP strives to protect all Maine residents from vaccine-preventable diseases through partnerships with healthcare providers and community members. They offer comprehensive education, technical assistance, and support services.
2. Vaccination Services for Pregnant Women: Vaccinations during pregnancy are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby. The Maine CDC provides resources and guidelines on recommended vaccines for pregnant women.
3. Vaccination Services for Children: Timely vaccinations are essential for children's health. MaineHealth offers information on recommended immunizations for children and adolescents.
Childhood Immunizations Information: Vaccination
4. Planned Parenthood Health Centers: Planned Parenthood provides vaccination services at various locations, including Portland and Biddeford. It's advisable to contact them directly to confirm vaccine availability and schedule appointments.
Portland Health Center:
Address: Portland Health Center
Contact: Book an Appointment
Biddeford Health Center:
Address: Biddeford Health Center
Contact: Book an Appointment
5. Maine Family Planning – Family Support Services: Maine Family Planning offers expanded services for pregnant women, new mothers, and their families, including the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides information on healthy eating and vouchers for nutritious foods.
6. Maine Vaccine Board: The Maine Vaccine Board ensures improved access to vaccines for Maine children and supports healthcare providers with state-supplied vaccines at no charge.
7. Vaccination Locations and Scheduling: To locate vaccination sites and schedule appointments, you can use tools like VaccineFinder, which provides information on vaccine availability at nearby locations.
VaccineFinder: Find a Vaccination Location
It's recommended to contact these organizations directly or visit their websites for the most current information on vaccine availability, scheduling, and any specific requirements.
Maine's Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program aims to identify newborns at risk for certain serious health conditions that may not be immediately evident. Early detection through this program allows for timely interventions, which can significantly improve health outcomes.
Conditions Screened:
As of April 1, 2021, Maine expanded its newborn screening panel to include four additional conditions:
- Pompe Disease: Affects muscle strength and heart function.
- X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD): Impacts the nervous system and adrenal glands.
- Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS-1): Affects multiple body systems, leading to developmental delays and organ issues.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic disorder impacting motor neurons and muscle strength.
These additions bring the total number of conditions screened in Maine to 57. The fee for the filter paper used in screening has increased to $220 to cover the costs associated with adding these conditions.
Screening Process:
Timing: A blood specimen is typically collected from your baby's heel between 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Procedure: A small amount of blood is taken and placed on a filter paper card. This sample is then sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis.
Results: Most results are available within two weeks. Your baby's healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during a follow-up visit.
Contact Information:
Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program:
Address: Maine CDC Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program, 11 State House Station, 286 Water Street, 7th Floor, Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: 207-287-5357
TTY: Maine Relay 711
Fax: 207-287-4743
Email: anne.watson@maine.gov
For more comprehensive information, you can visit the Maine CDC's Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program website
