Improving Maternal Health Outcomes Across New York

Fidelis Care is committed to improving maternal health and advancing health equity for pregnant and postpartum individuals across New York State. Increasing access to high-quality maternal care can make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of both parents and babies.

Access to high-quality maternal care supports:

• Healthy pregnancies
• Safer deliveries
• Stronger starts for babies and families

Our Maternal Health Focus

To support equitable maternal health outcomes, Fidelis Care works to:

• Increase postpartum visits, particularly among Black communities 
• Increase postpartum depression screening
• Reduce unnecessary cesarean section rates, especially among Black and Hispanic populations 
• Reduce preterm births in Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities 

BabyCare

Pomelo Care

Pomelo Care provides free, 24/7 virtual pregnancy and infant care to eligible Fidelis Care members, offering ongoing clinical support, education, and guidance throughout pregnancy and early parenthood. Eligibility varies by plan and county.

Divine Harlem - New York County

• Who they are: Divine Harlem Birthing Services is a doula collective offering prenatal education, continuous labor support in homes, hospitals, and birthing centers, and postpartum recovery care.
• What the grant supports:  A 13-week program to support new mothers facing re-entry, single parenting, or loss of support while also training five new doulas.

Fika Midwifery - Erie County

• Who they are: Fika Midwifery at the Coit House is Buffalo’s only independent midwifery practice and accredited birth center.
• What the grant supports:  An 18-month project aimed at reducing racial disparities in maternal health in Western New York by expanding services including nutrition and mental health support, home visits, and screenings.

Healthy People Worldwide - Kings County 

• Who they are: Healthy People Worldwide provides empowering support in maternal and child health, wellness education, and resources that help families thrive across Brooklyn and beyond.
• What the grant supports: A combination of remote monitoring with culturally responsive care. Participants receive Smart Maternity Kits, mental health screenings, virtual wellness sessions, and personalized care navigation.

Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network - Broome County

• Who they are: Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network is committed to improving pregnancy and birth outcomes and to supporting the health and development of all families and individuals.
• What the grant supports: An expansion of services to include identification of postpartum mothers who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or social isolation. It also helps provide quarterly group sessions to decrease the symptoms associated with postpartum depression.

Open Door Family Medical Center - Westchester County

• Who they are: Open Door Family Medical Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties by providing healthcare services, regardless of someone's ability to pay.
• What the grant supports: Funding for an initiative that supports families after birth by providing newborn health insurance enrollment, maternal mental health screenings, and parenting education to foster healthy development and family stability.

• Who they are: The Alex House Project provides parental training, professional job development, and community support for at-risk pregnant women and inexperienced young parents under age 25 in New York City’s five boroughs.
• What the grant supports: Expansion of the Parenting Journey and Job Readiness Experience program, a supportive six-week experience that combines parenting education with practical job training, resume building, and employment tools.

Integrated Community Alternatives Network - Oneida County

• Who they are: ICAN provides individualized and nontraditional services to many populations, including pregnant and postpartum women through preventive programs and established residences. 
• What the grant supports: The purchase of AI-powered live translation earbuds available in 40 languages for staff, local clinics, and partners who work with pregnant and postpartum clients. This real-time, two-way communication enhances the client’s experience and maternal health outcomes.