Resource Guide

The “First 1,000 Days” —conception to age 2 years— is an important period for the prevention of obesity in mother-child pairs and their families. The First 1,000 Days program aims to prevent the development of obesity among mother-infant pairs at MGH’s Revere and Chelsea HealthCare Centers and DotHouse Health, where rates of maternal-child obesity are higher than local and national averages.The program engages providers from primary care (obstetrics, pediatrics, adult medicine), mental health, and community health services, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), home visiting and fatherhood programs. Mother-child pairs are followed from the mother’s first prenatal visit until the child’s second birthday. Program components include: enhanced electronic health records to improve the quality of preventive services and screening for social determinants of health; consistent behavior change messaging across sectors and providers; patient education via print, text messaging and short videos; strengthening of integration of clinical and public health services to support behavior change and address social determinants of health; and individualized health coaching for mother-infant pairs at high risk of obesity.

The Behavioral Health Department at MGH Chelsea provides services to patients of MGH Chelsea primary care physicians. The Department provides individual, family and group therapy, psychopharmacology, psychological testing, and referrals to concrete services. Additionally specialty programs are available that focus on the care of refugees, children exposed to violence; and survivors of trauma.