Community Services

Birthing supports provide prenatal services such as birthing education and other preparatory activities, as well as a location for and/or assisting in the actual birthing process. Ideal birthing supports help ensure that families have the birth experience of their choosing, by providing safe options grounded in both best practices and current research, as well as based around the individual who is pregnant’s preferences, medical history, and personal circumstances. There are numerous birthing support services available for families in San Bernardino County. 

Oral health is a crucial indicator of overall maternal and infant health. The oral health of mothers is correlated with the oral health of their children, with studies finding an association between oral disease during pregnancy and poor infant outcomes. The Maternal Health Network has compiled a list of oral health service providers who accept Denti-Cal as well as the various dental clinics that provide low-cost oral health services to families in the county.

Perinatal mental health issues not only have the potential to negatively impact the mother and developing child during pregnancy, but to have long-term and long-lasting negative consequences for the emotional health of both parent and child. Stigmas attached to the disclosure of behavioral health issues can prevent families from  accessing the help they need to overcome these barriers to a successful pregnancy. That being said, there are a variety of services available to support families in need of mental health services in San Bernardino County. 

Perinatal primary care plays a key role in the overall health of expectant and recently delivered individuals. Continuous access to healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy can help prevent complications and inform women about important steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy. There are a wide array of services available to support the overall health of the mother and baby before, during, and after pregnancy in San Bernardino County. 

Perinatal substance abuse not only negatively impacts the mother and developing child during pregnancy, but can have long-term and long-lasting negative consequences for the physical health of both parent and child. Stigmas attached to the disclosure of a substance misuse issue can make it challenging for families to be connected with the help they need to overcome these barriers to a successful pregnancy. However, there are a variety of services available to support women and their families who are in need of substance abuse intervention and treatment. 

Prenatal and post-partum maternal wellness is focused on supporting a high overall quality of life for individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Providing women with the most up-to-date research and best practices in exercise, nutrition, medicine, family planning, and birthing supports can help ensure a healthy lifestyle for individuals and their families before, during, and after pregnancy. There are a variety of resources available to support the overall health of expectant and recently delivered individuals and their families in San Bernardino County.  

The Maternal Health Network is committed to elevating the needs of priority populations in San Bernardino County, which include women of color, teens, women who are undocumented immigrants, women who are victims of domestic violence, and women who are incarcerated. While all women face a baseline set of challenges before, during, and after pregnancy, specific issues faced by marginalized groups may be exacerbated by pregnancy. Living in a high poverty area; experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or intimate partner abuse; and/or being undocumented are extreme difficulties in and of themselves.  Additionally, being a woman of color or a teen can carry its own set of challenges.  Navigating one, or more, of these while pregnant requires access to special resources to support the delivery of a healthy baby and well-being of the mother. Specialty resources available to support priority populations in San Bernardino County are listed below.