by Melissa Garvey, ACNM Writer and Editor
ACNM has just signed on as an outreach partner of Text4Baby, a new service that sends free text messages (available in Spanish and English) to new and expectant moms. Launched by a DC-based mobile technology firm in cooperation with the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB), Text4Baby aims to encourage healthy habits and birth outcomes by delivering free texts on topics such as nutrition, flu prevention, substance abuse, and mental health. It also connects women with relevant support services.
Within the first 24 hours of going live, 6500 people had subscribed to the service, and at a sign up rate of as many as 250 per hour, total subscription numbers continue to climb. From the beginning, ACNM staff members were impressed with the concept and execution of Text4Baby. With an estimated 90% of US adults carrying cell phones, this project has the potential to reach millions of women with positive messages. We’re especially pleased that HMHB staffers sought out midwifery input before going live.
Thanks to feedback from ACNM staff midwives, many of the texts contain provider-neutral, midwifery-inclusive language. One of the first texts subscribers receive is “You can choose who you see for pregnancy care. Midwives, family docs, OBs & nurse practitioners can all provide care. Call 800-311-2229 for free/low-cost care & to find a provider who's right for you.”
What do you think? Do you expect Text4Baby to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and their babies?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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5 comments:
That's very good to hear. I work at a WIC office and there was an email going around that we should help sign mothers up for this, but I've been hesitant, not knowing how midwife-friendly it was.
I didn't realize either that it was midwifery friendly/inclusive. I think it could be a great way to educate women about their pregnancy and their healthcare options. I would be curious to read some of the texts/messages being sent out there to see how detailed or long they are.
I think it's a great idea, seeing that so many people text these ways. It's a great way to use popular technology to reach expectant women. I want to sign up for it myself, but I am not pregnant nor do I have a new baby.
I'm not pregnant, but I signed up just to see how it works and keep an eye on the messages.
I'm sending this information to my daughter (who lives in Vietnam) who is pregnant...I know she will enjoy it!
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