May 18, 2012
Mother’s Day is upon us and if you’re still wondering what to get that new or expecting mother Johnson & Johnson has just the thing. With partner CTIA, the Wireless Foundation, the popular baby product brand created Text4Baby to offer new and expecting moms important health information, reminders, and alerts during the first year of the baby’s life via text messages. Every mother wants a healthy and happy baby and providing that is Text4Baby’s main goal.
Even with our advanced level of medical care available, hundreds of thousands of babies are still born prematurely and more than 25,000 die by the age of one. The new service, free to subscribers, offers moms information regarding prenatal care and reminders to take those important vitamins, appointment reminders, tips on a safe labor, information about the latest health scares, and other pertinent information throughout pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding.
Specific topics moms can expect from the program cover a wide range of issues from immunizations, safe sleep habits, oral health and nutrition to safety lessons like car-seat safety, substance abuse counseling, and family violence information. CTIA has created ways to make sure the service remains free for moms who don’t have unlimited text messages in their plan. Most mobile service carriers have agreed to keep the service free. Even if mom’s plan doesn’t include text messaging the service will be totally free. You can find a list of participating carriers on Text4Baby’s website.
Registering is extremely simple. You sign up for the program either on the website or by texting “BABY” for English speakers and “BEBE” for Spanish speakers to 511411. You will then have to enter information in your profile like your baby’s birthday or expected due date to keep your updates relevant to your situation. If any changes occur, like a new due date, you just need to text the word “update” to the same number and make the appropriate changes. You can also make any necessary updates through the website. The program is designed to last through your child’s first birthday but if you wish to end the service sooner, you just text “STOP” to the same number or cancel your profile on the website.
The messages are designed to follow your timing depending on your due date or your baby’s birthday. If you start the program as an expectant mom, you’ll have to enter your baby’s exact birth date once he or she is born so that you can continue receiving messages.
With over 320,000 users, the program is still expanding at a fast pace and currently hiring. If you’re interested in working in the online world, whether you have a masters of science in nursing online, a degree in pediatric or prenatal care, or another relevant degree, check their website for more information about their openings. You could use your training and education to help continue developing ways to help mothers from ever having to face death or serious illnesses with their baby.
