Partners for Healthy Babies

Where can my child get their recommended vaccinations?

• If you have health insurance for your child, you can get shots from your child’s regular doctor. If your insurance is through Healthy Louisiana (formerly Bayou Health) and you do not have a doctor yet, click here to find a doctor.
• If you have health insurance, but it does not cover shots for your child, you may be able to get shots at a Parish Health Unit (PHU) or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
• If you do not have health insurance for your child, you can get insurance through the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP), and visit a PHU or FQHC in the meantime.
• If you’re in the New Orleans Area, visit the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network website for information about immunizations and a schedule for the New Orleans mobile immunization unit.

More Resources

• Shots for Tots has information about immunizations, including why you should vaccinate and when kids typically receive shots.
• The Immunization Program of the Office of Public Health has information about where to get a vaccine, who is eligible for free vaccinations, and general information about vaccines.

How can I make sure my home is safe and free from lead?

Learn how you can protect yourself and your children from lead, as well as what resources are available to help in Louisiana on ldh.la.gov/lead.

Where can I find mental health care?

If you need mental health services or substance abuse support, you may be able to find help here:

• Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health: Find mental health services in your area.
• Postpartum Online Support Group: Free, weekly phone-based support
  group where you can chat with experts and other moms about mood and anxiety during or after pregnancy.
• Find Louisiana resources for postpartum depression.

Helplines

• Medical Emergencies: Call 911 for immediate medical emergencies, or call 211 for non-emergencies.
• Compulsive Gambling: (877) 770-7867
• Alcohol / Drug Helpline: (877) 664-2248
• Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counselor: (866) 310-7977

If you have a Healthy Louisiana plan, click here or call 1-855-229-6848 to find a mental health provider.

Where can I find low- or no-cost care for my family?

Parish Health Units

Parish Health Units provide a wide range of health services.
Services include, but are not limited to:

• Pregnancy testing
• WIC services
• Immunizations
• Family planning

To find your nearest Parish Health Unit, click here.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)

Federally Qualified Health Centers are another option for new parents and pregnant women seeking care. FQHCs provide:

• Basic health services
• Preventative health services
• Referrals
• Patient Education

To find your nearest Federally Qualified Health Center, click here. For a more detailed list of services provided by FQHCs, click here.

Where can I get a pregnancy test?

• Parish Health Unit
• Federally Qualified Health Center (FHQC)
• Healthy Louisiana service provider (Medicaid)
• If you have a regular doctor, then you may get a pregnancy test through their office.

If you’re a teen, check out the Office of Public Health’s Louisiana Youth Education Program or visit HealthyChoicesLA.org.

Prenatal care is medical care a pregnant person gets while they are pregnant. Prenatal care allows doctors to spot, treat, and prevent health problems that can harm mom or baby. You should contact a doctor to schedule a prenatal appointment as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Where do I get prenatal care?

• Your current OB/GYN (obstetrician or gynecologist)
• Your provider who belongs to your private healthcare insurance network
• Your Healthy Louisiana provider. Find a provider who takes Medicaid here.

What happens during a prenatal care visit?

During a prenatal visit, your doctor will ask you a few questions and talk to you about healthy habits during pregnancy.

During a prenatal care visit, your doctor will:

• Give you a physical exam
• Test blood, urine, and blood pressure
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
• Measure your stomach

What should I ask?

Your doctor can answer many questions related to pregnancy. Consider asking your doctor about:

• Childbirth classes
• Parenting classes
• Breastfeeding
• Expected weight gain

Are you a first time mom? The Bureau of Family Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) can pair you with a nurse for support and advice during your pregnancy. Call your local NFP office for more information. 

Where can I find reproductive health services?

The Louisiana Office of Public Health’s Reproductive Health Program (RHP) offers low- or no-cost STD screening, health education, counseling services, and contraception. To find confidential family planning services near you, visit Healthy Choices LA and enter your zip code in the box on the top right of the page. These clinics all take Medicaid.

Reproductive Health Program clinics offer the following services:

• Physical exam, including Pap test and clinical breast exam
• Family planning counseling and education
• Provision of medications and/or supplies as needed
• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS
• Pregnancy testing
• Sterilization counseling, education, and referral
• Tubal ligation and vasectomy
• Preconception counseling (“Planning Your Pregnancy”)
• Reproductive health education and information
• Consultations and referrals for infertility
• Community outreach, tracking, and maintenance of high risk patients
• Education and information targeting adolescents

Where can I find health care for STDs or HIV?

• Find a nearby testing site using the CDC’s National HIV & STD Testing Resource or the Louisiana Statewide AIDS/STD Infoline at 1-800-99-AIDS-9 (1-800-992-4379).
• Visit the Louisiana Health Hub for information about AIDS education, prevention, and resources available in Louisiana.
• Visit American Sexual Health Association to get information about symptoms, treatment, anonymous testing sites, and resources for HIV+ people.
• Visit We > AIDS for more information on STDs and AIDS.