Feelings in Motherhood (FIM)

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The County of San Bernardino Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) program promotes the importance and need for appropriate levels of care to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality by implementing strategies to improve health, support the development of children and adolescents, and foster well-being and equity across the reproductive life course. With attention to the stress and related concerns that may result from pregnancy through early motherhood, MCAH developed the Feelings in Motherhood (FIM) electronic flipbook to increase timely receipt of maternal mental health services among women who report needing help for emotional well-being or mental health conditions during the perinatal period. The core component of FIM was creation and dissemination of posters with a QR code that directs individuals to a digital FIM book. This approach was intended to facilitate ease of access to information and resources regarding perinatal mental health services to mothers, relatives, and friends. With this digital tool, women, their families, and healthcare providers have a quick and convenient link to clear and supportive information at any time on their electronic devices.