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MOMs DECIDE Program

What is it?

The MOMs DECIDE Program is a free educational program that helps pregnant and postpartum moms take an active role in their healthcare. Through a simple, step-by-step approach, the program builds confidence in:

                  • Asking important questions
                  • Sharing concerns and preferences
                  • Working with healthcare providers to make informed decisions
                  • Taking an active role in decisions about pregnancy, postpartum, and mental health care

Who is it for?

The MOMs DECIDE Program is available at no cost to New Jersey individuals who are currently pregnant or up to two years postpartum.

Why is MOMs DECIDE Perinatal Education important for you?

Taking an active role in your pregnancy and postpartum care by asking questions, sharing concerns, and making decisions together with your healthcare providers can support both your mental and emotional well-being and your baby’s health and development. The MOMs DECIDE Program teaches practical communication skills to help you advocate for yourself, communicate your concerns, and participate in decisions about your healthcare.

Who is conducting this project?

The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers University School of Health Professions is leading this project by adapting the evidence-based DECIDE shared decision-making intervention, originally developed by Dr. Margarita Alegría and her team at Harvard University. In collaboration with the DECIDE team and the Community Advisory Board, the program has been adapted to meet the needs of pregnant and postpartum moms during pregnancy, postpartum, and mental health visits.

What is it about?

The goal of this project is to help pregnant and postpartum moms build the knowledge and confidence to communicate with their healthcare providers and participate in decisions about their pregnancy, postpartum, and mental health care.

Ready to get started?

We would love you to try out the MOMs DECIDE Program and let us know whether you think it is helpful for you in the communication with your healthcare providers (e.g., primary care doctors, nurses, midwives, psychiatrists, doulas, counselors, social workers, case managers, and peers).

Have questions?

We’re here to help. Click here to contact us by email.

Partnering Organizations

Funders

This publication is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $147,250,805.85, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.