Maternal Infant Health Program(MIHP)
The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) provides home visitation for Medicaid-eligible pregnant
women and infants up to 18 month of age. Services are provided by licensed, specially trained
registered nurses and social workers. MIHP services are intended to supplement regular prenatal/infant
care and to assist physicians in managing the health and well-being of mothers and babies. The overall
purposes of the MIHP program are to promote healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes and health
infant growth and development. The MIHP program is part of Michigan’s strategic plan to decrease
infant death through support and education regarding the benefits of breastfeeding and safe sleep
practices.
MIHP services include evidence-based maternal/infant assessments, comprehensive plans of care and
coordination of services between medical care providers, Medicaid Health Plans and the MIHP
providers. MIHP also has access to Ionia County Health Department’s Registered Dietitian for nutritional
advice and education Breastfeeding experts. In addition, MIHP providers also make referrals for local
community services to assure that family needs are met.
If you are a pregnant woman seeking services, please contact your medical provider or Medicaid Health
Plan and request MIHP services. If you have questions please contact the Iona County Health
Department and ask to speak with one of the MIHP nurses – 616-527-5341.
Safe Sleep
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’, there are approximately 3500 babies in the US that
dies suddenly and unexpectedly every year while sleeping. These deaths are often due to sudden infant
death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation. MIHP providers teach
and advocate for the following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce
the risk of injury or death during baby’s first year of life:
- Always place baby on his or her back to sleep
- Use a firm surface for baby to sleep on (crib or pack & play)
- Share your room with baby but not your bed
- Do no put soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding under baby, over baby, or anywhere
in the baby’s sleeping area.
If you wish more information, talk with your MIHP provider or contact the American Academy of Pediatrics website, Policy Statement from the AAP Task Force on SIDS.
