(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency Environmental Health Division has closed the harbor water area between the Pilgrim Dock, Youth Dock, and Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor due to a sewage spill of approximately 20 gallons, which was caused by a blockage in nearby restroom facilities. 
 
The affected bay water area will remain closed to ocean water-contact sports until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.
 
For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay, or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.

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As a mother, your job is never done. You always put the needs of your family and friends above your own. But, as Mother’s Day approaches, it’s important to remember your health matters too! Take a few moments to focus on your own health, and commit to at least one of these suggested steps this month:

1. Schedule your annual physical and other health appointments.

Regular check-ups and your yearly well-woman exam are important to keep yourself healthy. During your appointments, you can update your vaccines to protect you from diseases and infections and get screenings that can catch any health issues early on when they’re easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about any screenings or exams you may need, such as:

• Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer
• Breast exams and/or mammograms to screen for breast cancer
• Blood pressure screenings
• Depression screening
• Blood tests, including blood glucose level

To learn about what to expect during an annual physical exam:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Get Your Well-Woman Visit Every Year English | Spanish
• HHS: Healthy Living by Age English | Spanish

For tips to on how to take control of your health and make the most of every healthcare visit:

• HHS:  Your Health, Your Way. Tips to Improve Health Care Visits

To learn more about low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings via the Every Women Counts Program:

• California Department of Health Care Services: Every Woman Counts English | Spanish

2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Your food choices impact your and your family’s health. By choosing healthier food options, you can prevent or manage health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and encourage your family to develop healthy food habits.

To learn more about healthy eating:

• HHS: Healthy Eating and Women English | Spanish

To learn more about nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services: Healthy Eating for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding  English | Spanish

3. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Staying active is important to stay healthy and prevent future health problems. Adults are recommended to exercise with moderate intensity at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week, but it can be broken up into shorter time intervals throughout the week. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Make physical activity more enjoyable by picking activities you enjoy and can stick with, such as going on a walk or dancing.

Talk with your doctor about what physical activity plan works for you if you have a chronic health condition.

To learn more about how to stay active:

• HHS: Move Your Way English | Spanish

4. Practice self-care and develop stress management skills for your overall      health.

Women tend to balance multiples roles which can cause chronic stress and mental health problems. Chronic stress can lead to many health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease. Self-care and stress management are important to take care of your overall health and to model healthy behaviors for your family.

Some self-care tips include:

• Stick to a good sleep routine, including getting at least 8 hours of sleep.
• Spend quality time with others, such as friends, family, or people in your faith community.
• Set aside some time for yourself- meditate, do your favorite activities, or simply relax.
• Talk to a mental health professional if needed.

To learn more about how to cope with stress:

• National Institute of Mental Health: I’m So Stressed Out! English | Spanish

If you are pregnant or parenting:

• HHS:  Shining a Light on Maternal Mental Health
• EveryParentOC:  Feeling sad or anxious?  You’re not alone (click on “Translate” at the top of the page for other languages)

For assistance with getting access to health services and community resources, call the Orange County Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.

Additional Resources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Women’s Health Week English | Spanish
• USDA WIC Works Resource System: National Women’s Health Week English
• California Department of Public Health: Healthy Mind English |Spanish

Black Maternal Health Week (4/11-4/17) is an opportunity to raise awareness around racial disparities in maternal health.

All birthing people deserve a healthy, safe, and joyful pregnancy. Black birthing people are more likely to die or have life-threatening complications during pregnancy than other racial or ethnic groups.

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This Black Maternal Health Week, let’s collectively work toward a future where ALL Black birthing people have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive.

Visit Birthing Justice in OC to learn more!

Babies and children learn new skills all the time as they grow and develop. Parents look forward to experiencing each of their child’s new milestones, such as smiling for the first time, waving, or taking a first step. Children develop at their own pace, but some might need extra support in their growth and development.

What Are Milestones and Is My Child on Track?

Developmental milestones are skills babies and children learn at different ages as they move, play, learn, speak and act.

• For a list of milestones by age, see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Developmental Milestones English | Spanish
• CDC also has a free Milestone Tracker app available for download (English | Spanish)

As a parent, you know your child best. You can keep an eye on how your child grows, develops, and changes over time. If you, another family member, or care provider notice they are not meeting the milestones for their age, talk to your child’s doctor and ask about developmental screening.

What Is a Developmental Screening?

Developmental screenings should be done routinely by your child’s doctor at certain ages, to make sure they are meeting their milestones. The screenings can also be done more frequently if your child is at risk for developmental issues due to being born early or other health conditions, or if you or the doctor has a concern.

• Development screenings can be done by health care providers, early childhood teachers or other trained providers.
• As part of the screening, your child may take a test or you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your child’s development, including their language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions.
• As a parent or caregiver, no one knows your child better than you do. Talk to your pediatrician about developmental screenings if you have any concerns.

All children should be screened during regular well-child visits at the following ages:

To learn about how to get your child screened: CDC’s Concerned about Development? How to Get Help for Your Child English | Spanish

Why Is Developmental Screening Important?

As many as 1 in 6 children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old have one or more developmental or behavioral disabilities, such as a learning disorder, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1  Certain children may be at higher risk for developmental disorders including: 

• Premature babies
• Children born with low birth weight
• Children exposed to toxic environmental factors (e.g. lead).

Developmental screenings help identify children with developmental delays or disabilities for further evaluation by professionals. Through proper evaluation, your child can access treatment early in life, improving their quality of life. By receiving early intervention services, your child can develop health behaviors and skills needed to reach important developmental milestones. Examples of early intervention services include:  

• Family training, counseling, and home visits 
• Nutrition services 
• Physical therapy 
• Psychological services 
• Special instruction 
• Speech and language services
• Vision services, and many more!

To learn more about early intervention:  CDC’s What is “Early Intervention”? English | Spanish 

It can be hard to figure out how to best support your child. Infants and toddlers (up to 36 months of age) with a developmental delay or disability or who have certain risk factors are eligible for early intervention services through the Early Start program in California. The Early Start Program can help with figuring out the next steps. Services are provided at low-cost to no-cost. 

To learn more about available Early Start services:  Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC): Early Intervention Services English

Where Can I Get My Child Screened? 

If you suspect your child has developmental problems, you and your family have options to access care for your child.

To get your child screened:

• Contact your child’s doctor’s office.
• To find a health care provider, call the OC Health Care Agency Health Referral Line (HRL) at (800) 564-8448. 
• CHOC/UCI Early Developmental Programs: Help Me Grow Orange County English | Spanish | Vietnamese 

Additional Resources 

• CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish
• CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early. English | Spanish 
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! English | Spanish | Vietnamese

References

¹ CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish

Nearly one in three women are affected by depression or anxiety during pregnancy, in the 12 months after birth, or both. With the stress of pregnancy and a new baby, lack of sleep, and physical and hormonal changes from pregnancy, any pregnant or post-partum person can be at risk for anxiety and depression, even if they have never experienced these issues before. 

Some of the symptoms of depression include1:

• Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
• Feeling hopeless
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of energy
• Problems concentrating, recalling details, or making decisions
• Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Feeling distant from your baby
• Doubting your ability to care for your baby
• Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby – Call 911, the HCA Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) 24/7 at 855- 625-4657, or 988 if you’re having these thoughts.

1*from CDC’s Depression During and After Pregnancy  English | Spanish

You are not alone. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, support is available – please see the resources below.

Mental health difficulties during pregnancy can have both short-term and long-term consequences for pregnant people and their children. Not only can they increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth, but it can also affect the physical development and mental health of your children as they grow up. 

Getting help now can improve health outcomes for you and your child.

Additional Informational Resources 

• OC Health Care Agency: Pregnancy and Parenting Support English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• OC Health Care Agency (OC Navigator): Resources for Pregnancy and Post Partum Support English
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Feeling anxious or depressed? English | Spanish
• CDPH: Is your loved one showing signs of suicidal thinking during or after pregnancy? English | Spanish | Vietnamese

Assistance Accessing Mental Health Care

• OC Health Care Agency’s OC Links (24/7)
  Talk with a Navigator who will link you to the resources that can help you the most with your behavioral health needs.
•  
  • Call or text 855-625-4657
  • Chat online with OC Links
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
  This is a 24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms to speak with English or Spanish – speaking counselors.  Interpreter services are also available in 60 languages.  Professional counselors can provide resources or referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups.
•  
  • Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
    Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for evaluation and referral. Review the Mental Health Support resources below for further information.

Peer Mentorship, Classes and Support Groups 

• OC Health Care Agency’s Orange County Parent Wellness Program (OCPWP) offers free eligibility and needs assessment, individual therapy, family psychoeducation, psychoeducational support groups, wellness activities, case management, coordination and linkage to community resources, onsite supervision of minors when clients are receiving clinic services, and community outreach and education.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714-480-5160
    • E-mail OCParentWellness@ochca.com
    • Visit Orange County Parent Wellness Program English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• OC Health Care Agency’s Community Counseling & Supportive Services  provides screening and assessment, short-term counseling (individual, couples and family), group services (support & educational), case management, referral and linkages, and community outreach for mild to moderate behavioral health conditions.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714-645-8000
    • Visit Community Counseling and Supportive Services (CCSS) English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Camino Nuevo of Santa Ana (Mental Health Drop-in Center) offers medication support, individual and group mental health services, substance use treatment, peer support services and activities, and episodic case management.
  • To learn more about provided services, call (714) 824-8140.
• Hoag Maternal Mental Health Program: Click here for Hoag’s perinatal educational classes, postpartum support groups, pregnancy and infant loss support group, and more.
  • To learn more about this program, call the Maternal Mental Health Support Line at 949-764-8191.
     
• MOMS currently offers in-person and virtual classes and groups on a variety of topics such as childbirth preparation, postpartum support, Mommy and Me, and My Family and Me. MOMS also offers the ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) post-partum depression prevention course below.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714-352-3400 
    • Visit MOMS Prenatal Education and Mommy & Me Series English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• National Alliance of Mental Illness of Orange County (NAMI OC) offers Peer-to-Peer (10 week) or Family-to-Family (12 week) no-cost educational programs for affected individuals or their loved ones, as well as online support groups in English or Spanish.
  • For more information:
    • Call 714- 544-8488
    • Visit NAMI OC English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Family Support Network: Parent to Parent Program (P2P) offers English/Spanish support groups which provide an opportunity for parents/caregivers to share their own experiences and feelings, firsthand information, and coping strategies when caring for a child with special needs.
  • For more information:
    • Contact Ana Palafox, P2P Program Coordinator at (714) 447-3301 extension 204
    • Visit Family Network Network: Parent to Parent Outreach
• Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers more than 30 free English or Spanish specialty online support groups 5 days a week, including groups for mothers with bipolar, mood, or anxiety disorders, Black, South Asian or Spanish-speaking mothers, military moms, NICU parents, queer or trans parents, and many more.
  • For more information:
    • Call the PSI HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773 (Option 1: Spanish, Option 2: English)
    • Text “HELP” to 800-844-4733 for English or 971-203-7773 for Spanish
    • Visit Postpartum Support International English | Spanish
• Providence: Multiple Providence locations across Orange County provide pregnancy and postpartum support groups including:
  • Mission Hospital Laguna Beach offers a Maternal Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and a pregnancy and post-partum support group.
    For more information:
    • Call (949) 499-7504 or e-mail MHLBMHOP@stjoe.org for more information on IOP and support groups.
    • Call the Maternal Mental Health Referral Line at (949) 499-8663 if you need help finding a mental health provider.
    • Visit Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach: Mental Health and Wellness English | Spanish
  • St. Jude Medical Center Fullerton and St. Joseph Hospital Orange offer individual and group counseling, postpartum depression groups in English and Spanish, as well as Dad’s postpartum groups.
    For more information:
    • Call 714-771-8101
    • Visit Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange Maternity Programs English | Spanish

Prevention Programs

• Mothers and Babies Program offers free 6-12 weeks evidence-based individual or group-based programs, specifically designed for pregnant women and new parents, to provide tools to cope with stress and improve their mood while parenting a baby. This program empowers mothers by encouraging them to engage in enjoyable activities, build their social support network, and develop healthier ways of thinking.
  For more information:
  • New parents can ask about availability of this program at OC Parent Wellness Program by calling (714) 480-5160 or e-mailing OCParentWellness@ochca.com.
  • Visit Mothers & Babies: Parents or Mothers & Babies Informational Brochure English | Spanish
• The ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) Program reduces the risk of postpartum depression in low-income women. It consists of four to five individual or group sessions using an interpersonal therapy approach to provide psycho-education on stress management, role transitions, managing relationships and interpersonal conflicts. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
  For more information:
  • Call MOMS at (714) 972-2610 to be referred to this program
• South Coast Community Services (SCCS) provides shelter, care, therapy, and essential support services for abused, neglected and underprivileged children and youth, and their struggling families. Services include individual, group, and family therapy, as well as psychiatric and medication support services
  For more information:
  • Call 877-527-7227
  • Contact SCCS by filling out a Contact Form

Resources Available for Financial and Social Services Support

• 2-1-1 Orange County offers immediate assistance with social determinants of health: domestic violence, food, housing, finances, post-incarceration, veteran services, legal assistance, and more. 
  For more information:
  • Call 211 or text your ZIP Code to 898211.
  • Visit 2-1-1 Orange County
• Help Me Grow  offers families referrals to no-cost or low-cost resources, as well as support for the behavioral, developmental, and learning needs of their children ages 0-8 years. Services are provided in English and Spanish. A language line is available for other languages. 
  For more information:
  • Call 866-476-9025 or e-mail HelpMeGrow@choc.org
  • Visit Help Me Grow Orange County English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• Employment Development Department (EDD), State of California, manages the unemployment insurance and state disability insurance (SDI) programs in California.
  • For claims and benefit information, visit EDD Claims English | Spanish | Vietnamese
• California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a food and nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, benefits to buy healthy foods, and referrals to health care and other community services for pregnant persons and families with children under the age of 5.
  • To determine if you qualify for WIC, visit CDPH: California Women, Infants, and Children Program.

Motherhood begins before your baby is born. Every pregnancy is different bringing new feelings and experiences, and lots to learn! Getting proper medical care and making healthy choices are important to keep you and your growing baby as healthy as can be and help prevent birth defects. Follow these tips to help keep your baby safe before and after they are born:

Start Prenatal Care Early and See a Healthcare Professional Regularly

Even if you are healthy, schedule prenatal checkups as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Babies of moms who don’t get prenatal care are more likely to have a low birth weight or health issues compared to babies of moms who do get prenatal care.

• See a provider regularly, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), or midwife, to keep you and your baby safe by catching health issues early.
• Be honest with your health care provider to get the best care for you and your baby. Any information you share with your doctor is confidential.

If you need help getting prenatal care, contact OC’s Prenatal Care Guidance Program by calling our Toll-Free Health Referral Line at 1-800-546-8848 or visit OCHCA: Prenatal Care Guidance Program (PCGP) English | Spanish |Vietnamese.

To learn more about prenatal checkups: March of Dimes: Prenatal Care Checkups English | Spanish.

Take Folic Acid Daily

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is important for normal growth and development and that can help prevent major birth defects. Protect your baby from developing brain and spine defects by making healthy food choices and taking folic acid supplements (at least 400 micrograms (mcg)) every day before and during pregnancy.

In addition to taking a folic acid supplement, eat foods high in folic acid such as:

• Eggs
• Fortified bread, rice, pasta, or corn masa flour foods
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and arugula
• Fruits including oranges, lemons, bananas, melons, and strawberries

For more information on how to get enough folic acid each day, visit March for Dimes: Folic Acid Health Action Sheet.

Prevent Complications from Infections

Get Vaccinated

Vaccinations are key to protecting you and your growing baby from infections that can cause serious health problems. Some important diseases to get vaccinated against during pregnancy include:

• Influenza (flu) – as soon as it is available if you are pregnant or will be pregnant during flu season (generally fall and winter)
• Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis [whooping cough]) – between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, even if you got it earlier
• COVID-19 – if you have not received the updated COVID-19 vaccines
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – if you are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September to January

For more information on vaccinations during pregnancy:

• California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immunization Branch:
  • Prenatal Vaccines Infographic
  • Immunizations for a Healthy Pregnancy English | Spanish
  • Expecting? Protect yourself and your baby against flu, RSV, whooping cough, and COVID-19! English | Spanish
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Vaccines During and After Pregnancy English | Spanish
• March of Dimes: Vaccinations and Pregnancy English | Spanish

Having fever and/or respiratory symptoms?

• Pregnant people are at increased risk of severe disease from influenza (flu) and COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are sick to see if treatment is indicated.

Get tested for sexually transmitted infections

• All pregnant people should be screened for sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause serious, life-threatening illness in your baby. Early identification and treatment is key to protecting your baby.
• See CDC’s STDs during Pregnancy English | Spanish

Make Sure Your Medications are Safe Before Using Them During Pregnancy

Taking care of your health is important during pregnancy, including taking your regular medications. However, some prescription medicines can be harmful to your baby.

Talk to your healthcare provider about ANY medications you are taking if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, especially if you’re taking:

• Certain acne medications, like isotretinoin
• Opioids
• Blood clot medications like warfarin
• Certain COVID-19 medications
• Medications to treat mental health disorders
• Medications to treat seizures

To learn more about medication safety during pregnancy:

• March of Dimes: Prescription Medicine during Pregnancy English | Spanish

Avoid Drugs, including Tobacco, Marijuana, and Alcohol

Drug, tobacco and alcohol use are dangerous to your developing baby, increasing their risk for birth defects, developmental problems, premature birth, and death. The best time to stop using drugs, smoking, or drinking is BEFORE you get pregnant, but quitting at any time during pregnancy can help your baby. You are not alone! For information about substance use and pregnancy and how to get support, see Substance Use and Pregnancy.

To learn more about how drug and alcohol use affect your baby:

• MotherToBaby: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Exposure Fact Sheets English | Spanish.

Additional Resources

• CDC: During Pregnancy English | Spanish
• CDC: Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects English | Spanish
• CDC: Every Journey Matters: Birth Defects Awareness English | Spanish