Free Texts Give Health Care Advice to New Moms

The U.S. infant mortality rate is one of the highest in the industrialized world, according to a Will County Health Department news release.

For the first time since the 1950s, that rate is on the rise.

To combat this increase, new and expectant mothers can now get regular health care information texted to their cell phones for free. The new educational program, called Text4baby, includes information tailored to the mom's pregnancy stage or their newborn’s birth date.

Lack of health care access, poverty and negative health behaviors are the reasons why hundreds of thousands of babies are born prematurely in the U.S. each year, according to the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.

Despite widespread medical advances, there are more than 500,000 premature births annually. An estimated 28,000 children die before their first birthday. 

“Mobile health services around the world have demonstrated the ability to help change patient behavior and improve health outcomes,” said Community Health Center Chief Executive Officer Mary Coffey. “We believe this program can have a significant impact on maternal and child health.”

The coalition is a team of several governmental agencies, as well as corporate sponsors. Agencies include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the White House Office on Science and Technology and the Will County Health Department. The founding corporate sponsor is Johnson & Johnson.

Several wireless phone companies are also corporate partners, which allows moms to receive texts free, regardless of their individual text plans.

Texts are available in English or Spanish. To sign up, moms should text BABY to 511411. Spanish-speakers should text BEBE to the same number. Moms will be prompted to enter their baby’s due date or birth date and their zip code.

“Over 85 percent of Americans own a cell phone and 72 percent of cell users send or receive text messages,” said the coalition website.

The message content includes a wide range of topics: Breastfeeding, safe sleep, prenatal care, infant care, oral health, immunization, family violence and mental health. Moms will receive three texts a week.

“If you need free or low-cost care while you are pregnant, call 800-311-2229,” reads one sample text for expecting mothers. “Midwives, family docs, OBs & nurse practitioners can all provide care.”

“Holding, talking, reading & singing to your baby help her learn,” reads a sample text for mothers of infants. “Soon your baby will coo, babble, hum and laugh back.”

For more information, click here, or call the Will County Health Department at 815-727-5088.