BlueCross BlueShield Member Story
Supporting A Mom Through Pregnancy Nutrition Needs
Samia* is a 32-year-old pregnant mom who has been living with type 1 diabetes. She was struggling to manage her nutritional needs during pregnancy. On top of her medical challenges, she had recently lost her job and was worried about affording specialized nutritional shakes her provider recommended. Her Care Coordinator referred her to the VHP Living 365 program for pregnancy and postpartum.
After her initial nutrition and health assessment, VHP determined that her goals were to improve her dietary habits during pregnancy and prepare for a safe delivery, while balancing a busy schedule and the demands of raising two young children.
Together, they reviewed her benefits and confirmed that her plan would cover the nutritional supplements her doctor prescribed. The team supported Samia with culturally relevant nutrition counseling, behavioral goal setting, and access to healthy food delivery through the Sweet Potato Patch program, removing barriers to healthy eating during a critical time. The Care Coordinator worked directly with Sweet Potato Patch and her provider’s office to make sure all the paperwork was in order, removing that stress from Samia’s plate.
Within a short time, she was approved for the nutritional shakes. Samia shared how relieved she felt knowing she wouldn’t have to choose between her health and her budget. She said the support made her feel confident that she could focus on her pregnancy and diabetes management without the added financial burden. Thanks to early referral from BCBSIL, Samia experienced a healthy delivery and a smooth postpartum recovery, despite a history of complications. She improved her eating habits, resumed physical activity, and gained confidence in managing her health.
Through nutrition counseling, meal delivery via Sweet Potato Patch, and consistent follow-up, Samia stayed engaged in her care. This consistent engagement helped her build healthier habits, stay consistent, and feel more confident in caring for herself and her baby.
