Better Birth Outcomes Navigation (BBO-N) Program

Partnering with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Maternal and Child Health (BMCH), our Better Birth Outcomes – Navigation (BBO-N) program helps pregnant and parenting clients in the City of Chicago understand the importance of a medical home and connect them to a myriad of medical, social, and other benefits and supports available in their community.

Personalized Support for Pregnant and Parenting Families

How We Can Help

Through in-person visits, our Navigators collaborate with families to identify and mitigate barriers to accessing desired supports and services. Illinois Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) offer a variety of value-added services such as care coordination, case management, transportation assistance, maternal/infant supplies. By providing direct, 1:1 assistance to connect and engage with these and other desired services, our Navigators help clients meet their family’s health and wellness goals and promote the reduction of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.

Who Is Eligible?

The BBO-N program provides services to dyads (pregnant and postpartum individuals and their infants) throughout pregnancy and the first six months after birth to Illinois residents who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below. Families not meeting the eligibility criteria may be authorized with pre-approval by the Department.

Eligibility for BBO-N services is defined as a family/dyad or individual meeting ALL of the following:

1. Pregnant or postpartum individual up to 6 months after birth and/or infant up to 6 months after birth; and

2. Household income less than 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL); and

3. The presence of at least one risk factor as noted on the Vulnerability Index below.

    • Fetal or Infant Loss (20 weeks + 0 days or greater)

    • Premature Birth (36 weeks + 6 days or less)

    • Low birth weight (less than 5 lbs. 8 oz. or 2500 grams)

    • Self-reported use of tobacco, marijuana, opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, alcohol, (current or within past six months)

    • Positive toxicology screen (current or within past six months)

    • Currently on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder

    • Pre-pregnancy BMI < 18.5 or > 40

    • Age <15 or >45 years

    • Sickle Cell Disease (excluding SC trait/carrier)

    • Placenta Previa/Accreta/Percreta

    • Ante/Peri/Postpartum Hemorrhage Requiring Blood Transfusion

    • Cardiomyopathy

    • Pulmonary Embolism

    • Deep Vein Thrombosis

    • Hypertension (any type diagnosed by medical provider)

    • Preeclampsia/Eclampsia most recent pregnancy

    • Current abusive relationship/intimate partner violence

    • Frequent unscheduled visits to L&D/triage/ER/Urgent Care (greater than two in past six months)

    • Frequent unscheduled hospital admissions (greater than 2 in past twelve months)

    • Diabetes (any type diagnosed by medical provider)

    • Mental Health diagnosis by medical provider requiring medication

    • Less than 12 months since last delivery/birth

    • Currently Homeless or at risk of homelessness within next 3 months

    • DCFS involvement (current or within 1 year)

    • Involved parent incarcerated, on parole or probation

    • Active, untreated Sexually Transmitted Illnesses

    • Cardiac defects

    • Kidney/renal/urinary abnormality

    • Neonatal abstinence syndrome (symptoms of withdrawal present)

    • Gastrointestinal abnormality

    • Orthopedic abnormality

    • Brain/Central Nervous System abnormality

    • Feeding abnormality (tracheoesophageal fistula or atresia, cleft palate, cleft lip, tube feedings required after hospital discharge)

    • Growth abnormality (SGA, IUGR, Failure to Thrive)

    • Hepatitis B or C exposure

    • Multiple gestation (triplets or greater)

    • Caregiver with diagnosis of developmental delays

    • Cytomegalovirus infection

    • Metabolic disorders

    • Ventilator dependence after hospital discharge

    • Seizure disorder

    • Blood disorders/coagulopathy/anemia

Contact Us

Want to know more about the supports we offer? Not sure if you qualify for the program? Whatever you need, please reach out and someone from our team will be in touch.

Support Offered

Our support includes:

  • Guidance on available services and how to access them

  • Help understanding your health insurance and extra benefits available through your Managed Care Organization (MCO), such as transportation, supplies, and care coordination

  • Connections to:

    • Medical providers (your “medical home”)

    • Behavioral health and community services

    • Transportation, housing, food assistance, and more

  • Educational support on:

    • Safe sleep for infants

    • Nutrition for you and your baby

    • Early development milestones

    • Managing health during and after pregnancy