Project Swaddle Provides Care For Pregnant Moms And Newborns

Pregnancy can be overwhelming—especially for women with high-risk conditions who need closer monitoring and support. A Franciscan Health program links local paramedics and EMTs, physicians and community resources to new parents in several Indiana counties to assist through the whirlwhind of a new baby.

Named Project Swaddle, the program connects community paramedics and EMTs, called paramedicine clinicians, with social services, OBGYNs and nurses for resources during pregnancy and after the baby's delivery.

“Our goal is to be one more support person in that family’s back pocket,” said Shelby DeVon, a Franciscan Health paramedician clinician who sees mothers in Jasper and Newton counties.

Helping Rural Communities

Franciscan Health's paramedicine program launched Project Swaddle in Crawfordsville in 2018. Since then, the personalized relationships created by Project Swaddle have been shown to help participants stay engaged in monitoring their and their baby’s health. The program has since expanded to include Jasper, Newton and LaPorte counties in Indiana. Project Swaddle includes partnerships with paramedician clinicians who visit expectant and new moms at their home to support in prenatal and postnatal care.

“The areas I serve are OB deserts, meaning they are 40 minutes away from a hospital to deliver their babies,” Devon said. “When you add in barriers like transportation, food insecurity, or lack of childcare, it can be difficult for moms with high-risk conditions to get consistent care. That’s where Project Swaddle steps in.”

Expectant moms can self-refer to the program, but Franciscan also identifies families who may benefit and proactively reaches out. The mothers will be reviewed to see what type of prenatal and postpartum care they are eligible for through other programs. If they do qualify for Project Swaddle an appointment is made, and a paramedicine clinician begins routine visits to the mother’s home. DeVon provides frequent updates to the providers, and if needed, can contact them 24 hours a day in case of emergencies.

Breaking Barriers

Project Swaddle’s goal goes beyond medical monitoring—it’s about empowering women and breaking down barriers to care. “I’m able to sit down in their home with the barriers like transportation taken away,” DeVon said. “I spend time explaining their diagnosis, reviewing warning signs, and making sure they understand when to call their doctor. It’s care that builds confidence.”

According to DeVon, one of the great aspects of Project Swaddle  is breaking down the barriers, establishing relationships and providing care to a high-risk population.

That includes not just checking vitals like blood pressure or measures of the baby’s health. It includes ensuring families have car seats, access to resources to help with food insecurity, training on safe sleep or breastfeeding support. After the baby is born, the families are transitioned to the Prenatal Assistance Program, which includes visits at the six, nine and 12-month postpartum marks.

“These appointments are for them as much as for their pregnancies and their babies,” DeVon said. “It’s unique to see the moms from early in their pregnancy until the baby turns one. It’s more relationship-based care.”