Pregnancy
BIRTH CONTROL
Birth control is a device, substance or method that prevents pregnancy. Using a birth control method can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy. There are many forms of birth control, including abstinence, condoms, birth control pills, and hormone shots. It is important that you find a method that suits your body and your lifestyle. Abstinence (the abstaining from vaginal, oral or anal intercourse) is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
Blue Mountain Clinic
610 California St., 721-1646
Planned Parenthood
219 E. Main St., 728-5490
University of Montana Curry Health Center
634 Eddy St., 243-4330
Services are available only to UM Students.
PREGNANCY TESTING
There are several ways to determine whether you are pregnant, and you should find out as early as possible. Urine or blood tests administered by a doctor are the most accurate. You can also purchase a home pregnancy test at a grocery or drug store, but there is a chance the results may be inaccurate.
Blue Mountain Clinic
610 N. California St., 721-1646
Pregnancy tests are $7.00
First Way Pregnancy Support Center
1515 Fairview Ave., Ste. 250, 549-0406
Pregnancy tests, counseling and support for those continuing their pregnancies are free.
Missoula City/County Health Department-Outpatient Clinic
301 W. Alder St., 258-4745
Hours: Pregnancy test are administered Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri starting at 8:30 a.m.
Pregnancy tests cost $20.00. Refrigerate the sample if it is collected early.
Planned Parenthood
219 E. Main St., 728-5490
Pregnancy tests are priced on a sliding scale.
University of Montana Curry Health Center
634 Eddy St., 243-2122
Cost varies. Service is only available to U of M students.
UNPLANNED PREGNANCY
There are counselors available to help you make a decision if you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy.
Blue Mountain Clinic
610 California St., 721-1646
Catholic Social Services of Montana
420 W. Pine St.
Betsy Robel at 728-5429 or 1-800-BABYDUE
(1-800-222-9383) 24 hours a day
www.cssmt.org; betsymsl@montana.com
A non-profit, licensed agency in Montana established in 1953. CSSM offers free, confidential counseling for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. We provide help with pregnancy decision-making and pre/post natal counseling for birth parents and their families. CSSM offers open adoption services for birth parents and their families, so that children grow up knowing who they are and understanding the love and care that surrounds their adoption. Open adoption with CSSM means that you can build a lasting, loving relationship with the adoptive family, staying in contact with your child, if you choose. People need not be Catholic to use the agency services. Please call if you are pregnant or considering making an adoption plan for your child. CSSM also serves families in Montana interested in adopting infants through an open adoption program. We also provide quality pre/post adoptive services for those adopting trans-racially, through private adoption, or internationally.
First Way Pregnancy, 549-0406
Offers practical help for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Free pregnancy tests and counseling, information on all options, support groups. No appointment necessary.
Lutheran Social Services
515 Fairview, Ste. 230, 549-0147
Offers pregnancy decision-making and counseling to birth parents and their families who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Through this service a birth parent may decide that adoption is the best plan for the baby.
Planned Parenthood
219 E. Main St., 728-5490
Provides reproductive health care, education and advocacy to the people of Western Montana improve their individual and family lives.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
If you are a teenager and you are pregnant, you are NOT alone. There are people and services in the Missoula community that can help you. If you have been having sex, you could be pregnant--even if you are very young, even if you’ve had sex only once, even if you have been using some method of birth control. If you think you might be pregnant, it is important to get a pregnancy test to make certain. See the section on pregnancy testing above and ask someone to help you.
1st Way Pregnancy Support Center
1515 Fairview Ave., Ste 250, 549-0406 or 1-800-332-0406
Futures
2525 Palmer, Ste 1, 543-3550
Helps young parents build a secure future for themselves and their children by providing case management, education counseling, job readiness training, parenting education, housing, counseling and leadership development. Our services are free to young parents, and transportation assistance and childcare is provided for Futures activities. Provides specialized services for young fathers.
Missoula City-County Health Department
301 W. Alder St., 258-4745
www.co.missoula.mt.us/healthservices/
Provides information about free or low-cost health insurance options for children and pregnant women.
Mountain Home Montana
2606 South Ave. W, 541-4663
www.mountainhomemt.org
Mountain Home is a 6-bedroom facility located on one acre in Missoula. It provides a safe, loving home where teen mothers can discover their strengths & their children can experience the joys of childhood. Participants can stay for up to 2 years. Each Resident plans her own personal development program and sets goals with an on-site social worker. Continuing Education is a priority. If high school has not been completed, re-enrollment, adult education or working toward a GED is required. Mountain Home is for voluntary participants willing to follow program guidelines. 24-hour supervision is provided & the following issues are addressed: parenting, decision-making, problem solving, communication skills, relationships, health issues, nutrition & cooking, time & money management, employment skills, housekeeping, chemical dependency issues, housing, and transportation.
Public Health Home Visiting
Missoula City County Health Department
301 W. Alder St., 258-4298
www.co.missoula.mt.us/healthservices/
This program focuses on the special needs of clients and their families, providing guidance and education that supports the teen in reaching a healthy pregnancy outcome and developing parenting skills. The program staff works closely with other teen support services. Either home or office visits are available.
ADOPTION
Whether you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or a couple wanting to provide a child with a home, adoption may be a consideration.
Catholic Social Services for Montana, 420 W. Pine St.
Betsy Robel at 728-5429
or 1-800-BABYDUE (1-800-222-9383) 24 hours a day
www.cssmt.com; betsymsl@montana.com
CSSM is a non-profit, licensed agency in Montana established in 1953. CSSM offers free, confidential counseling for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. We provide help with pregnancy decision-making and pre/post natal counseling for birth parents and their families. CSSM offers open adoption services for birth parents and their families, so that children grow up knowing who they are and understanding the love and care that surrounds their adoption. Open adoption with CSSM means that you can build a lasting, loving relationship with the adoptive family, staying in contact with your child, if you choose. People need not be Catholic to use the agency services. Please call if you are pregnant or considering making an adoption plan for your child. CSSM also serves families in Montana interested in adopting infants through an open adoption program. We also provide quality pre/post adoptive services for those adopting trans-racially, through private adoption, or internationally.
1st Way Pregnancy Support Center
1515 Fairview Ave., Ste. 250, 549-0406 or 1-800-332-0406
Lutheran Social Services (LSS)
1515 Fairview Ave., Ste., 230 549-0147
Lutheran Social Services offers domestic infant adoption services to couples in Montana. LSS also provides home study services and post-placement visits for those adopting internationally. Search and reunion services are available for birth parents and adoptees.
ABORTION
Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy. There are two general abortion types available to women in the U.S.: surgical and non-surgical or “medical abortions”. The majority of abortions are surgical and occur within the first three months of pregnancy
Blue Mountain Clinic
610 California St., 721-1646
Planned Parenthood
219 E. Main St., 728-5490 or 1-800-230-PLAN
INFERTILITY
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to conceive children. The American Society of Reproduction Medicine reports that one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors, another one-third to female factors, with the last third being a mixture of problems between the partners, or an unexplainable problem. Most infertility cases are treated with conventional therapies, which may include prescription drugs or surgery.
RESOLVE
1310 Broadway, Sommerville, MA 02144, (617) 623-1156
www.resolve.org
This is the national headquarters for RESOLVE, a group devoted to educating and helping couples with infertility problems. Call or write to the Massachusetts address in order to obtain referrals to fertility specialists. RESOLVE also provides information about infertility and infertility treatments.
PRENATAL CARE
The term “prenatal” describes the time when the fetus develops inside the woman’s body prior to birth. Prenatal care is the medical care of a pregnant woman and her baby throughout her pregnancy, and may include nutrition, exercise, and any pre-existing or newly arising health problems. A woman usually receives prenatal care from the doctor or midwife who will help her deliver her baby.
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4009
www.communitymed.org
Offers birthing basics and breastfeeding classes to help parents prepare for the new baby.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, 1-800-421-6667
Hours: Phones are answered Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sends packets of pregnancy/prenatal information and a baby calendar to expectant mothers. They also provide additional packets with information on health and safety issues to parents with children under age 18, as well as information on health insurance options for children.
March of Dimes
643 Grand Ave., Ste. B - Billings, 59101, 1-800-597-7116
The March of Dimes’ mission is to improve the health of all babies by preventing birth defects and infant deaths. It focuses on healthy mothers and healthy babies. Educational materials are available for free. The chapter is also a referral center for parents. March of Dimes does not give direct financial aid to patients.
Maternal/Neonatal Emergency Transport
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 1-800-584-7500
Medical staff-supported air and/or ground transport for high-risk mothers and newborns.
Missoula City-County Health Department
301 W. Alder, 258-4298
www.co.missoula.mt.us/healthservices/
This program encourages early enrollment in comprehensive services for all pregnant women and serves women who encounter any barrier to care, or have a need for support or information. Program staff includes nurses, dieticians and social workers that provide health care, prenatal education and assistance in arranging referrals to medical and social services.
Helps income-eligible pregnant mothers apply for Medicaid so that they have health insurance coverage throughout their pregnancy and for the baby’s first year. Also provides a series of 4 prenatal classes on Thursday nights 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Missoula Early Head Start
2121 39th St., 251-9410 ext.313
Provides services to families with children 0 to 3 years and to pregnant women whose children will be in the program. Designed for families whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty level. Early Head Start provides comprehensive services focusing on child development and parent-child interaction. Health services include assistance in accessing health insurance, medical and dental providers. Program also includes a Registered Dietician on staff for nutrition services, health screenings, health & safety education and intensive prenatal services.
MOMercise, Community Medical Center,
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4427
Water aerobics for pregnant women and new mothers to improve flexibility and strength, increase endurance, and minimize weight gain. Call for class schedules and fees.
Prenatal/Infant Care Class, the Nurturing Program at the Parenting Place
Box 3805, 728-KIDS (5437)
For parents and children pre-natal through 18 months. Topics include Stress Management and Handling Troublesome Feelings, Touch and Talk, Safety/Baby Proofing, Nurturing Routines: Diapering, Bathing, Bedtime. Free Children’s Program offered with the class.
Rocky Mountain Neonatology Center
at Community Medical Center
2825 Fort Missoula Rd., Ste., 130 327-4234
Women’s Club Health & Fitness Center
2105 Bow St., 728-4410
www.thewomensclub.com
Pre or post natal classes offered at the club; you can choose yoga, Pilates or pool exercise. Check on the web or call for fees and scheduled activities.
CHILDBIRTH PRACTITIONERS
Childbirth Practitioners help deliver babies. There are three general types of childbirth practitioners: obstetrician/gynecologists, family practitioners and midwives. Since different practitioners have different approaches to the issues surrounding childbirth (routine ultrasound, drugs during delivery and surgical intervention), find a practitioner who makes you feel comfortable. The childbirth practitioner you choose will also provide you with the prenatal care you need to have a healthy baby.
OBSTETRICIAN/GYNECOLOGISTS
An obstetrician/gynecologist (sometimes called an “ob-gyn”) is a licensed doctor who is a specialist in the care and treatment of the female reproductive system and childbirth. An ob-gyn’s post-college training includes four years of medical school followed by a 3-7 year long program, called a residency, which specializes in women’s reproductive health care and childbirth. Ob/gyns deliver four out of every five babies in the United States, making them the most popular choice in childbirth practitioners
FAMILY PRACTITIONERS
Many women rely on their family doctor for prenatal and obstetrical care. A family practitioner is a doctor who is regularly consulted by a family or person in time of medical need and does not limit her or his practice by gender, age, organ system or disease type. A board-certified family practitioner has completed medical school and a three-year training period after medical school. This training period includes a minimum of three months of obstetrical and gynecological training. Some women prefer to see their family doctor because they have established a good patient/doctor relationship or because they like the continuity of care. However, not all family practitioners have obstetrical experience, so it is important to talk with your family doctor if you would like her or him to help you during your pregnancy.
MIDWIVES
Midwives monitor the natural birth process and aid a woman during her pregnancy, the delivery and after the baby is born. There are two types of midwives:
Certified Nurse Midwife: A certified nurse midwife is a woman who has obtained her degree as a registered nurse, completed at least one year of obstetrics training in an approved graduate midwifery program, passed the national certification examination given by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and is licensed by the State of Montana. Nurse midwives typically work in a hospital. If you would like more information about nurse midwives, check the yellow pages under “Midwives.”
Direct-Entry Midwife (or Lay Midwife): A direct-entry midwife is a birth practitioner who is licensed by the State of Montana and is board-certified by the Alternative Health Care Board of Montana. This type of midwife usually works with women who have decided to have a home birth. If you would like more information about direct entry midwives in Missoula, check the yellow pages under “Midwives.”
PREGNANCY AND BIRTH RESOURCES
First Way Pregnancy Support Center
1515 Fairview Ave., Ste., 250 549-0406
Offers diapers, baby clothes, maternity clothes free pregnancy test, complimentary ultrasound Lifesteps support program and parenting support.
Missoula Birth Network
www.missoulabirth.com
The members of Missoula Birth Network, a Missoula non-profit organization, believe that the birth of a baby is a major transforming event in the life of a woman and a family; the birth experience itself and the care the family receives plays a powerful role in the family’s mental health. Health care decisions should be based on research evidence for the optimal health of mother and baby, and families should have the opportunity to explore all options that are available in order to make choices that are uniquely best for them. Unfortunately, we believe that some maternity health care decisions are driven by profit motives, convenience, or fear of lawsuits, sometimes to the detriment of the family. Missoula Birth Network is a consumer group committed to helping families educate themselves about their birthing options, side effects of medications and interventions, and rights and responsibilities during birth. Check out our schedule of events listed at www.missoulabirth.com and the new books donated to Missoula Public Library.
Missoula Pregnancy and Birth Resource
www.missoulabirth.com
The Missoula Pregnancy and Birth Resource features information about natural child birth and home birth in Missoula, including: access to a network of local midwives and doulas, birth stories, monthly articles, local resources, and pregnancy-related web links.
CHILDBIRTH CLASSES
Childbirth classes teach women about pregnancy and prepare expectant mothers (and fathers and other family members) for the birth of their babies. These classes cover everything from choosing whether to give birth at home or in a hospital to breathing techniques during labor. The classes can be a good way to meet other expectant mothers and can help women form their own support network of new moms. Expectant mothers are encouraged to bring a partner, but it’s not required. If you would like to learn more about childbirth classes in the Missoula area, contact Community Medical Center or look in the yellow pages of your phone book.
Lamaze Method: The Lamaze Method teaches women what to expect during labor, and how labor changes as the baby moves toward birth. The method guides women through exercises that they will use during labor, including different types of breathing for the various stages of labor. The method also explains what will happen at the hospital and the purpose and tasks of the medical staff.
Blue Mountain Clinic
610 California St., 721-1646
Childbirth Classes
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital
1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, 406.375.4654
Are you getting ready to welcome a new life? Learn about preparing for labor, the stages of labor and delivery. Practice breathing and relaxation exercises that help you through labor. Pain-relief options, medical interventions and a tour of our Obstetrics Department are also covered, as well as information on feeding and bringing your baby home. Class is offered two times per year, in July & October. Call for more information.
Community Medical Center-Education Department
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4009
Offers “Birthing Basics” classes for first-time mothers and refresher courses for women who are repeat moms. The class covers delivery options, labor, breathing techniques and welcoming the new baby into your life. The center also offers Momercise Water Aerobics classes. The fee for the Birthing Basics class is $65 per couple.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
For information about agencies that can help you financially during your pregnancy, contact the following groups:
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
126 W. Spruce St., 258-4200
This free program is for limited resource families and pregnant women. Assistants do home visits and help individuals stretch their food budgets, choose foods that are healthy and plan nutritious meals.
Missoula City/County Health Department (MC/CHD)
Public Health Nursing Program
301 W. Alder St., 258-4750
www.co.missoula.mt.us/healthservices/
Assistance provided daily on a drop-in basis to complete applications for Medicaid for pregnant women.
Missoula Early Head Start
2121 39th St., 251-9410 ext. 313
Provides services to families with children 0 to 3 years and to pregnant women whose children will be in the program. Designed for families whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty level. Early Head Start provides comprehensive services focusing on child development and parent-child interaction. Health services include assistance in accessing health insurance, medical and dental providers. Program also includes a Registered Dietician on staff for nutrition services, health screenings, health & safety education and intensive prenatal services.
Montana’s Child Project, 1-800-421-MOMS
A community service program for Mothers To Be and for those who care about them. The Montana’s Child Project asks pregnant women to obtain early and ongoing prenatal care. This care should start in the first three months of pregnancy. Call the number above to obtain information about prenatal care, funding for women in need and access to the health care system.
Office of Public Assistance
2677 Palmer St., Ste. 100, 329-1200
Administers Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) and financial programs for low-income parents and their families. Provides temporary assistance for needy families. OPA offers a wide range of assistance programs to help men, women and children. Assistance with applications is available.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
301 W. Alder St., 258-4740 or 1-800-823-4740
Provides food assistance and nutrition education to low-income pregnant and nursing women and children up to the age of five.
BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4219
www.communitymed.org
Offers inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding consultation services, including assistance over the phone and information about breastfeeding at childbirth classes.
La Leche League
Call Melissa at 249-8019 or Erin at 549-1779 or 544-3746
Hours: 2nd and 4th Tues. of each month at 11:30 a.m. downstairs at the Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St.
For expectant and breast-feeding mothers; fathers and siblings welcome. Lending library, 24-hour help line, and information on nutrition, parenting, medical and legal resources. Free.
WIC Lactation Specialist
301 W. Alder St., 258-4740 or 1-800-823-4740
WIC offers breastfeeding information and support, office visits, phone consultations, classes and referrals for low-income women.
Women’s Care Center
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
500 West Broadway, 327-3057
Lactation Consultation in our clinic or your home.
