New Partnership With Denver Health Will Help Expectant Mothers

The University of Denver is partnering with Denver Health to provide access to a new kind of prenatal service. Through a five-year, $4.2 million grant from the Administration for Children and Families, MotherWise will provide healthy relationship education to expectant mothers.

“Pregnancy and the months following the birth of a new baby are exciting – and they can be hard on parents’ relationships,” says Galena Rhoades, a research associate professor in the department of psychology and director of MotherWise. “MotherWise aims to support mothers and their romantic and family relationships through this big event and transition.”

Rhoades is partnering with the Women’s Care Clinic at Denver Health to offer the new program, enrolling 200-300 women each year for a six-week class on healthy relationships, infant care and parenting. "As a Denver Health obstetrician, I am so excited patients have the opportunity to participate in MotherWise,” said Jennifer Hyer, MD. “MotherWise is based on an educational program created and proven effective by DU and our patients and their families will certainly benefit from this innovative program."

All English and Spanish speaking women receiving prenatal care at Denver Health hospital or one of its satellite clinics are eligible for the program. All services are free, including transportation, food and additional support.