Obstetrics and Midwifery

ACCESS Westside Healthy Start program provides support through every step of your pregnancy and up to 18 months for our mothers-to-be and parenting families living in Chicago’s West side communities of North Lawndale, Austin, Humboldt Park, and in East and West Garfield Park.  

With the support of a dedicated care team, the goal of our program is to improve the health outcomes of both the mother and baby, partner with community members to reduce infant mortality rates on the West side, and empower our families to create stronger, healthier communities.   

Preconception, prenatal, and postpartum services include: 

• Case management 
• Breastfeeding support 
• Health education 
• Fatherhood support services 
• Community Action Network (CAN) 

To learn more about ACCESS Westside Healthy Start and to see if you are eligible, call 312.733.0065 today. 

Breast milk provides infant​​s the perfect nutrition they need for healthy development. It contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses and has been linked to preventing childhood obesity, asthma, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Moms who breastfeed also often experience quicker weight loss after birth and have fewer negative postpartum side effects. ACCESS offers the following services for pregnant and postpartum moms who are interested in or are currently breastfeeding: 

• Breastfeeding education 
• Breastfeeding support 
• Follow-up breastfeeding services  
• Certified Lactation Counselors Services and support are also available for immediate family members. 

ACCESS’ Family Case Management program provides education, ongoing support, and linkage to medical and social services for low-risk pregnant and parenting women through their child’s first birthday.  

Case managers assist program participants by:  

• Engaging both expecting parents in prenatal care 

• Staying up to date with every infant’s well-baby and immunization care 
• Completing child developmental screenings up to the age of 12 months 
• Providing ongoing health education and planning on topics such as birth control/family planning, child care, WIC, health insurance coverage, and more. 
• Screening and referring for behavioral health, substance use, and domestic violence concerns 

For more information about family case management, please call 708.239.8081.