FAQS
FAQs
What is the Healthy Start Program?
Healthy Start is a free program from Dallas County that supports moms from pregnancy through a baby’s first 18 months. We provide personalized care coordination, home visits, educational classes, and connection to resources — all designed to help you and your baby thrive.
Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of women, infants, and families in Dallas County by offering comprehensive prenatal, maternal, postpartum, and infant care services.
Through education, personalized support, and care coordination, we empower families to make informed decisions, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
Why was Healthy Start created?
Healthy Start was created to address a critical health crisis in Dallas County. In certain Dallas County zip codes, maternal mortality and infant mortality rates are more than double the rates in other zip codes. Many of these deaths are preventable, with factors like limited access to prenatal care, untreated maternal health conditions, and unsafe sleep practices playing a significant role. That’s why Healthy Start focuses on these neighborhoods and provides free, comprehensive support from pregnancy through a baby’s first 18 months.
Dallas County’s initiative is part of a national, federally funded effort aimed at improving these outcomes. By offering personalized care coordination, education, health screenings, and connection to resources, we’re working to ensure every mother and child in our community has what they need to thrive.
Who is this program for?
Healthy Start is for moms who are pregnant or have a baby under 18 months old and live in specific Dallas County zip codes. There are no income requirements, and no insurance is needed.
Which zip codes are eligible?
You’re eligible if you live in one of these Dallas County zip codes:
75001, 75060, 75149, 75150, 75180, 75201, 75210, 75211, 75212, 75217, 75227, 75234, 75235, 75244, 75248, 75254.
Is it really free? What's the catch?
No catch. Motherhood is challenging enough. We want to make support as accessible as possible. Healthy Start is completely free, and you don’t need insurance to participate as long as you meet our eligibility requirements.
How do I join?
Do I need to already be a mom to join?
No! Healthy Start is for pregnant women and moms with babies under 18 months. Whether this is your first baby or you already have children, you’re welcome to join.
Can I refer a family member or friend?
Absolutely! If you know someone who’s pregnant or has a baby under 18 months in one of our eligible zip codes, we’d love for you to share Healthy Start with them.
What warning signs should I watch for up to 6 months after giving birth?
Your health matters, especially in the weeks after birth. Call your doctor or midwife right away if you experience any of these postpartum warning signs:
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad an hour, large clots, or bleeding that gets worse over time).
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or persistent cough.
- Persistent headache or vision changes.
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in your breast(s) with fever.
- A tender, swollen, or red area in your calf or leg.
- Fainting or excessive swelling of face, fingers, or feet.
- Difficulty coping or feeling like you cannot care for your baby.
Don’t miss your postpartum checkup! If you don’t have one scheduled before you leave the hospital, call and make the appointment as soon as you get home. Your Healthy Start helper can also connect you with medical care if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Why does Healthy Start focus on safe sleep?
Sleep-related causes are the leading risk for newborns and infants. In Dallas County, unsafe sleep practices contribute to more preventable infant deaths than any other single cause. That’s why safe sleep education is such an important part of what we do.
Healthy Start provides free safe sleep classes, one-on-one guidance to help create a safe sleep environment for your baby. We’ll walk you through the basics, like back-to-sleep positioning, keeping the crib clear of blankets and toys, and room sharing safely so you can feel confident your baby is sleeping as safely as possible.
Safe sleep isn’t about judgment — it’s about giving you the information and resources you need to protect your baby.
What classes does Healthy Start offer?
We offer free educational classes on topics that matter to new and expecting moms. Here’s what’s available:
Car Seat Safety
Learn how to properly install a car seat, safely buckle your child in, and keep them safe on every ride. (Note: This class has specific eligibility requirements.)
Cooking Healthy and Affordable Meals
Discover how to shop smart and prepare balanced, budget-friendly meals for your family. We cover meal planning, reading food labels, nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and encouraging healthy eating habits in young children. Open to pregnant women, new parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in healthier cooking.
Empowered Choices
Understanding Birth Control Options
Learn about the full range of contraceptive methods — from hormonal options like the pill, patch, and IUDs to non-hormonal alternatives like condoms and fertility tracking. We’ll cover effectiveness, side effects, and how to choose what works best for your health and lifestyle.
Gestational Diabetes:
Diabetes During Pregnancy
Learn about risk factors, potential complications, and how to manage gestational, type 1, and type 2 diabetes during and after pregnancy. Topics include healthy eating, exercise, prenatal care, breastfeeding strategies, and managing blood sugar levels. Open to pregnant women, new parents, and anyone planning for pregnancy.
Preventative Care
Get the knowledge and tools to proactively manage your health. Learn what numbers you need to know and what preventive exams you need for disease prevention.
Safe Sleep for Infants
Learn practical tips for reducing risks related to sleep, including SIDS, choking, and suffocation. We’ll cover safe sleep practices that protect your baby and give you peace of mind. Open to pregnant women, new parents, and caregivers of infants.
Smoke-Free: Give Your Baby a Healthy Start
Get practical strategies to quit smoking and create a tobacco-free environment for your baby. Learn how going smoke-free supports a healthier pregnancy and creates a safer home for your family. Open to pregnant women, new parents, and caregivers.
How do I sign up for classes?
View the Healthy Start class schedule here.
