Maternity benefits and support
Being pregnant can bring feelings of joy as well as anxiousness. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, follow these steps:
- Schedule your first prenatal appointment with your OB-GYN, midwife or other prenatal care provider. Find information on SmartHealth's tier network here.
- Talk to your OB-GYN about medications including prenatal vitamins and what foods to avoid.
- Check out our Pregnancy Support Program (information below).
- Sign up for a childbirth class as soon as possible - classes fill up quickly. Click here to search for Ascension maternity classes and events near you!
- Decide if you will breastfeed your child. Speak with a lactation consultant or take a breastfeeding class to make an informed decision.
- Talk to your OB-GYN if you are feeling depressed during pregnancy or after delivery. This can be a common feeling and you should alert your doctor.
- Choose your baby's pediatrician. Your OB-GYN can also offer suggestions.
A wide range of topics on pregnancy and childcare are covered in our health library, including planning a pregnancy, warning signs and symptoms, what to expect from labor and delivery, and expert advice on feeding your baby.
Where to Deliver:
Discuss your delivery location with your OB-GYN early in your pregnancy.
- For EPO Plan Members: You must use an Ascension Network site of care for your services to be covered. (Except in an emergency)
- For All Other Plans: Using the Ascension Network (Tier 1) offers the lowest out-of-pocket costs compared to Tier 2 or out-of-network facilities.
Pregnancy support program
Are you pregnant and need help understanding your benefits, experiencing physical or mental health problems, or at an increased risk of pregnancy complications? You can contact our SmartHealth Care Management team for additional support. Our maternity nurses will work with your doctor to develop a care plan that is right for you, and provide you with resources, education and answer your benefit questions.
Get in touch with a nurse care manager or a behavioral health specialist by:
- Email: acmmembers@ascension.org
- Phone: 855-288-6747
- Fill out our contact form
Download the printable "Your partner in pregnacy support" flier with QR code.
International products and services
Visit Blue Cross Blue Shield Global to learn more about their full range of international products and services available for purchase. View additional information about international coverage here. To contact BCBS about questions or coverage options, click here.
Breastfeeding benefits
Breastmilk is the best food for your baby and provides just the right amount of nutrients to help them develop and grow. Additionally, it is gentle on your baby's stomach, intestines, and other parts of their body. When possible, experts recommend breastfeeding until your baby is at least six months old. You can then begin to add solid foods along with breastfeeding until your child is 1 to 2 years old. More information on breastfeeding can be found on the health library.
Breastfeeding Support
SmartHealth has partnered with Edgepark and Nest Collaborative to support you with both breastfeeding supplies and expert guidance.
Through Edgepark, you can receive breast pumps and supplies in an easy and affordable way. To get started, create an account, enter your state of residence, and select Ascension SmartHealth as your insurance provider. Once set up, you can choose your breast pump and supplies—Edgepark will bill SmartHealth directly and ship items to your home. If you prefer to use a different vendor, you may submit a breast pump reimbursement request form to the address listed on the form.
In addition to supplies, SmartHealth partners with Nest Collaborative to provide personalized, virtual lactation support. Nest offers 1-on-1 video consultations with International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), available anytime, anywhere. You can schedule a prenatal visit to prepare for breastfeeding, get help with latching or milk supply after delivery, and receive guidance on returning to work while continuing to breastfeed. These services are covered at 100% by SmartHealth, with no out-of-pocket cost. Book your Nest appointment here.
Additional Resources
Maternal Health Report
Ascension announces the publication of its groundbreaking, 1 in 50: Ascension's Maternal Health Report.
Find a Doctor
Find a doctor or specialist, including OB-GYN's and pediatricians, who listen to understand, close to home.