Women's Health Branch

N.C. Perinatal Health Strategic Plan: 2016 – 2020

North Carolina has been a leader in the maternal and child health (MCH) arena for decades. From the synergy of multiple efforts, the Women’s Health Branch, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a group of partners to draft a statewide plan to include a focus on infant mortality, maternal health, maternal mortality, and the health status of women and men of childbearing age.

The Perinatal Health Strategic Plan (PDF, 12.1 MB; HTML) was released on March 24, 2016 by the DHHS Secretary and Deputy Secretary. This plan includes feedback from over 150 thought leaders throughout the state.

To get involved or to ask questions, send email requests to the Branch.

Plan of Safe Care (POSC)

09/11/18: A federal mandate went into effect on July 31, 2017 that requires health care providers involved in delivery and care of infants in North Carolina (and all states) to notify child welfare when an infant is identified by a medical provider

as being affected by:

• Mom’s untreated substance use disorder

or having:

• Withdrawal signs and symptoms
• Signs of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• A positive urine, meconium, or umbilical cord segment substance test with provider concerns.

This law also requires that a Plan of Safe Care (POSC) is developed for these infants. The POSC English (PDF, 2 MB) and Spanish (PDF, 2 MB) pamphlets provide basic information for patients regarding how and why a Plan of Safe Care is created. Agencies should download the brochures as needed.

NC Making It Work Toolkit - Updated 12/12/18

We are excited to share a NEW online resource supporting working mothers and employers. The NC Making It Work Tool Kit, adapted from the New York State Department of Health, provides essential information for mothers, their families, and employers to support breastfeeding. The NC Making It Work Tool Kit is comprised of five sections:

• For Moms - What to consider when breastfeeding and returning to work
• For Family Members - How to support mom’s journey to breastfeed
• For Employers - How to accommodate breastfeeding employees in the workplace
• The Law - What is required of the Federal Labor Standards Act Worksite Lactation Accommodation law
• Other Materials - Sample letters and policies to assist moms and employers

In addition, the following sections of the NC Making It Work Tool Kit, are also available in Spanish:

• For Moms (Para Mamás)
  • My Daily Work Checklist (Mi lista de verificación diaria para el trabajo)
  • My Lactation and Work Plan (Mi plan de trabajo y lactancia)
  • Easy, Tasty Foods to Eat While You Pump (¡Comida sencilla y deliciosa que puede comer mientras bombea!)
• For Family Members (Para Miembros de la Familia)