Text4baby

This information and communication technology (ICT)-based educational programme uses mobile phones in an effort to provide reminders and vital information about maternal and child health, including immunisation, nutrition, seasonal flu, prenatal care, emotional well-being, drugs and alcohol, labour and delivery, stopping smoking, breastfeeding, mental health, birth defects prevention, oral health, car seat safety, exercise and fitness, developmental milestones, safe sleep, family violence, and more. Further information about the service - frequency of messages, etc. - is available on the Text4baby website.

In November 2010, Text4baby expanded the initiative in an effort to reach one million mothers. Partners are exploring the addition of new features, including increased interactivity such as quizzes to reinforce recipients' comprehension, as well as more opportunities to invite user feedback in order to best serve subscribers. The U.S. Government is also working to raise awareness of this free service by strengthening outreach efforts to users of Medicaid, WIC [Women, Infants, and Children], and federally supported health clinics and Healthy Start sites. It is also conducting 2 formal evaluations of Text4baby: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is leading a cross-department effort to understand the health impact of Text4baby, especially for underserved settings, and the Department of Defense Military Health System is conducting an evaluation to understand the value of Text4baby for military families.

Maternal and Child Health.