When you first bring home your newborn, most of the attention will be on your little one. And it should be! During this new and exciting time in your life, it’s important to remember that your health matters and deserves attention, too.
Plan Ahead
As a parent, it’s important to be prepared. Are you ready for the first diaper blow-out? How about the joy you’ll feel at the first smile? A new pregnancy can take place unexpectedly. Have you talked with your provider about your birth control post-delivery?
Every family’s plan for birth spacing is personal. Studies show that waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies helps with recovery.
It’s a good idea to discuss birth control with your provider. Sentara Health Plans covers birth control methods like ‘the pill’ and IUDs (intrauterine devices).
Know How to Get Medical Care on Short Notice
New parents don’t have a lot of free time. This can make trips to the doctor’s office a bit tricky. Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes, and even more so after delivery. Adjusting to these changes takes time. It’s normal to have questions.
Sentara Health Plans offers coverage for virtual visits if your doctor allows them.
Learn How to Add Your Baby to Your Health Plan
Your little one will be covered by your health plan for a short time once born. However, you’ll need to add them to your plan soon after they’re born. This is a very important step because your baby will have well-child visits. At these visits, they’ll receive several vaccines over their first year of life.
Call Member Service at the number on the back of your member ID card to ask about getting health insurance for you baby.
Consider Mental Health
With the changes that come with having a new baby, it’s common to need some support. This support can range from talking to a friend or asking a parent to babysit.
Sentara Health Plans offers coverage for mental health support if you need it. This can help before pregnancy while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and after pregnancy.
If you need immediate assistance, please call Member Services at 1-800-881-2166 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
