Women’s Services

Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy testing is available for a $10 charge and by appointment only.

Maternal Health
Madison County Health Department offers prenatal care for pregnant women living in Madison County. This service follows women throughout their pregnancy; provides multivitamins; offers education; and checks for risk factors that may cause preterm labor. The department accepts Medicaid, some private insurance, and self-pay clients on a sliding fee scale based on family income. Patients are seen by appointment. Maternity services include:

  • Complete physical exam
  • Laboratory testing
  • WIC nutrition program for eligible patients**
  • Immunizations **
  • Referral to Maternity Care Coordination
  • Prenatal Education
  • Childbirth/Lamaze Classes
  • Referrals to specialists for all High-Risk patients
  • Postpartum examination and family planning services

Women deliver at Memorial Mission Hospital by MAHEC physicians.

**NOTE: This will be linked to Programs and Services
Nutrition and WIC Services; Immunizations

Maternity Care Coordination (Baby Love)
Case management services are provided by a public health nurse, called Maternity Care Coordinator, during pregnancy and up to two months postpartum, to pregnant women with limited social support and receiving Medicaid. Services include home visits, counseling and emotional support, education, and referrals to needed services to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Health department and non-health department patients may receive this service. Call 649-3531 for questions or to make a referral

Childbirth/Lamaze Classes
Childbirth classes offer parents an opportunity to prepare themselves for the labor and delivery of their baby. Topics that are covered in a 5-week series of classes include: body changes during pregnancy; signs of preterm labor; stages of labor and labor positions; comfort measures during labor; role of the support person during labor and delivery; techniques to manage labor pain with fewer medications using relaxation and massage; breastfeeding; care of your newborn and what to expect during the postpartum period. Classes are offered at the health department regardless of your prenatal provider. Call 649-3531 for questions or to schedule a class.

Breastfeeding
Staff at the Madison County Health Department are  trained in lactation to offer support and encouragement for women who plan to breastfeed after delivery. For information, questions or concerns about breastfeeding, call 649-3531.

Everything you want to know about breastfeeding can be found at:
www.breastfeeding.com

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The Madison County Health Department has specially trained staff who can help families that experience the loss of an infant due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The family receives counseling and education. For questions, call 649-3531.

You can reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS by being aware of these suggestions:

  1. Avoid drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.
  2. Take care of yourself. This includes no smoking during and after pregnancy.
  3. Place the baby on his/her back while sleeping.

REMEMBER: Back to Sleep. Tummy to Play

  1. Breastfeed if possible.
  2. Keep the crib free of objects such as pillows, stuffed toys, blankets that could be pulled over the head.
  3. Do not sleep with your baby. Co-sleeping can lead to suffocation of the infant.
  4. Avoid overheating the bedroom where the baby sleeps. Use a lighter blanket if the baby seems too warm.

Safe Surrender of Newborns
Under the Safe Surrender Law, infants up to 7 days old can be left with a responsible adult, legally and anonymously. The Madison County Health Department is a designated safe surrender site. Every year, several babies in North Carolina are either killed or left to die in North Carolina because mothers are in a crisis situation. An adult who receives the baby is required to keep it safe and to contact the Department of Social Services immediately. The goal is to have the baby adopted into a loving home as soon as possible.

Post-Partum/Newborn Home Visits
Free home visits are available to all new mothers and babies living in Madison County. The Post-Partum/Newborn visit is made by a registered nurse. We like to visit between 1-2 weeks after the birth of your baby, but visits are available until the baby reaches 2 months of age. The nurse will:

  • Check the infant’s weight
  • Check the infant’s health during a short physical exam
  • Assess the infant’s feeding, sleeping and crying behavior
  • Offer current education about infant care and safety
  • Check the mother’s physical and emotional health
  • Make referrals if needed
  • Provide free gifts and other information

 

If you would like to have a nurse visit, please call 649-3531.

 

Minor Policy
According to the law in North Carolina, patients under the age of 18 years may receive medical treatment at the health department without the consent of their parents or guardian for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, abuse of drugs or alcohol, emotional disturbances, and pregnancy. The health department may not legally notify parents or guardians without the permission of the minor concerning medical health services unless the agency feels that the minor’s life or health will be endangered if they are not notified.

Complete confidentiality will be maintained for minor patients receiving family planning services with the following limitations:

  • Medical referral and follow-up for abnormal lab or physical findings other than those directly related to contraception (i.e., elevated blood glucose, breast mass, abnormal pap smear).
  • Potentially life-threatening situation such as a suicide threat with refusal to seek help.

Abnormal findings will be discussed with the minor first. They will be given the opportunity to inform their parents or guardian of the problem and the need for follow-up. If the patient does not inform the parents or guardian, health department staff will notify them of the findings.

Domestic Violence
Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, sex, or economic status. An abusive relationship affects more than the couple. Children see and hear violence among family members. Some children grow up believing violence is a normal part of relationships and may become the next generation of victims or abusers. Types of abuse include:

  • Emotional/Verbal- Insults; threats to lower victim’s self-esteem
  • Physical- Hitting; kicking; pushing; use of weapons that can cause injury or death
  • Financial- Controlling the money; taking the paychecks
  • Sexual- Threats or physical force to have sex
  • Medical- The victim is denied needed medical care

Contact “My Sister’s Place” crisis line for information or assistance 649-2446
 

Family Planning
Family planning services are confidential and provided to everyone who desires assistance with postponing or planning pregnancy. Women of any age can provide their own consent for family planning services. Medicaid, some private insurance, and self-pay clients on a sliding fee scale. Charges for women under nineteen years old who are not married are based on her income only.

Men are also eligible to receive family planning services, including vasectomy. Information and applications are available to men and women eligible for the Family Planning Waiver Medicaid. This program will pay for family planning services, prescriptions, and an annual exam.

The following birth control methods are provided in our clinic:

  • Abstinence
  • Diaphragm
  • Birth Control Pills
  • Natural Family Planning
  • Condoms
  • Spermicide
  • Depo-Provera (the shot)
  • Sterilization for men and women

Birth Control Methods

Abstinence- Abstinence is deciding not to have sex. Women and men who are not yet ready to become pregnant or have intercourse should consider abstinence. It is the safest and most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Teens and women who are seen for their first family planning visit will be offered information about abstinence.

Birth Control Pills- The pill is a birth control medicine that women take once a day. It contains female hormones that block the body from making an egg every month. It is available by prescription only. It must be taken at the same time every day to be most effective. It does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms- A condom is made of thin plastic called latex. It prevents pregnancy by catching a man’s sperm. Condoms are available at the health department or any drug store. Using a condom will prevent most sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.

Depo-Provera- Depo-Provera is an injection given once every 3 months. It contains the hormone progesterone. This is very effective in preventing pregnancy and is especially good for women who cannot remember to take a pill every day. A shot should be given every 11-13 weeks. Depo-Provera does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Diaphragm- A diaphragm is a rubber cap that fits over the woman’s cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm is most effective when used with spermicides. It is available by prescription and requires a woman to be fitted by a healthcare professional. A diaphragm does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Natural Family Planning- Women who have regular periods can use natural family planning or the rhythm method. This method is not effective for women who have irregular periods and it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Spermicide- A spermicide is a birth control medicine that kills sperm. It comes in many forms and can be found at drug stores. It is important to follow the directions for proper use and is best used with another birth control method such as a diaphragm. Spermicides do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Sterilization for Men and Women- Sterilization is when a man or woman, who no longer wants to have children, has surgery to prevent pregnancy. The surgery is called a vasectomy for men and a tubal ligation for women. It ispermanent and cannot be reversed. Sterilizations do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is most effective if given within 24 hours, but it can be given up to 5 days (120) after unprotected sex. Should you have unprotected sex or should your birth control method fail, and you would like emergency contraception, please call the health department as soon as possible at
649-3531 and ask for the earliest possible appointment for emergency contraception.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Services (BCCCP)
The health department offers a screening program for breast and cervical cancer for women ages 40-64 years with little or no insurance. Some women ages
18-39 years may also be eligible. The program includes clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap Smears as well as referrals for follow-up.
Call 649-3531 to make an appointment.

WiseWoman
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Monitoring key risk factors, exercising and practicing good nutritional habits can affect the patterns and occurrence of CVD. BCCCP patients may be eligible for this program which includes screening for the risk factors associated with CVD and to analyze the effects of exercise and nutrition on those BCCCP women. The project consists of screening tests for blood pressure and total cholesterol, including HDL. Optional tests include blood glucose determinations and hemoglobin AlC. Those BCCCP women who are determined to be at risk are provided with specially developed nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation counseling as well as referrals to a physician, if needed.
Call 649-3531 to make an appointment.

Dental Services
The Madison County Health Department Dental Center provides comprehensive dental care which includes prevention and treatment of dental problems. Prenatal patients are welcome. The center accepts Medicaid, dental insurance, and a sliding fee scale based on income. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday and occasional Fridays. Call 649-1271 for an appointment.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV
Confidential testing, treatment, education and counseling is offered to anyone who is concerned about the possibility of exposure to HIV or a sexually transmitted disease. Patients receive counseling, treatment options, and prevention methods. There is no charge for this service and some treatments are also free of charge. Call 649-3531 and ask for an appointment.