The Maternal Health Program offers expectant parents important information about pregnancy, including the prenatal and postnatal periods. Program participants can take part in practical workshops and receive supportive advice, as well as learn about making choices that can lead to a healthier pregnancy with fewer complications. To participate, register within the first three months of your pregnancy. (Visit MyAccount to register.) For more information, please browse this page or contact the Maternal Health Program at (646) 473-8962 or MaternalHealth@1199Funds.org.

The “Carrying You Through Your Pregnancy” and “Preparing for Childbirth” workshops address topics all expecting parents need to know about pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. These classes cover how to stay healthy and fit during your pregnancy, what to expect during childbirth, breastfeeding and more. During the workshops (where partners are welcome!), educational materials will be distributed and you’ll be entered into a raffle. In addition, there is a separate seminar specifically designed for fathers/non-pregnant partners.

The Maternal Health Program offers many benefits, including:

• Educational materials on what to expect during your pregnancy and the importance of early prenatal care
• Encouragement to develop and/or maintain healthier habits (nutrition, exercise, etc.)
• Referrals to appropriate providers (such as for a high-risk pregnancy)
• Information that can help reduce the risk of birth defects, low birth weights and neonatal hospitalizations

Once you are registered, you will receive:

• A mailed packet containing information about all the stages of pregnancy, nutrition, exercise, DOs and DON’Ts, diagnostic tests that might be done and delivery (this initial packet usually arrives within four weeks of registering for the program); a disability form; important phone numbers to keep on hand; and a list of questions to ask your doctor
• A mailing with information on taking care of a newborn
• Invitations to attend the “Carrying You Through Your Pregnancy” and “Preparing for Childbirth” workshops, both conducted by certified professional midwives
• A gift for participating in the program; to be eligible for this gift, you must attend one of the workshops

No, but our “Preparing for Childbirth” workshop will help you prepare for delivery.

Delivery and associated hospital stays must be pre-certified to be covered, and pre-certification is handled by CareAllies. You will find instructions about pre-certification in the first information packet you receive.

Maternity leave benefits may vary by Wage/Eligibility Class, so please call Member Services at (646) 473-9200 and ask to speak to a disability specialist.

If you have family coverage, your eligible baby will be covered once enrolled. To enroll your child, you must complete the Enrollment Change Form and provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate (and Social Security card, if available). You can complete and submit the form, as well as required documents, through MyAccount. As an alternative, you may download the form from our website; submit the completed form and required documents as instructed on the form. Please refer to your Summary Plan Description for eligibility details.

Please check your mail and email for materials and invitations to the workshops. You can also look for workshop announcements on this page and in For Your Benefit, the 1199SEIU Benefit Funds’ member magazine.

Please contact the Maternal Health Program at (646) 473-8962 or MaternalHealth@1199Funds.org.