SLBMC Launches ‘Project Bloom’ to Promote Early Prenatal Care Across Antigua and Barbuda

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has officially launched Project Bloom, a public education and engagement campaign aimed at encouraging early prenatal care, improving access to services, and supporting healthier outcomes for mothers and babies across Antigua & Barbuda.

The initiative comes in response to a growing concern: too many women are either starting prenatal care late in their pregnancies or not accessing care at all until delivery. Project Bloom seeks to address this by providing clear, supportive messaging and practical guidance to help expectant mothers take that first step, early.

At its core, the campaign promotes a simple but important message: start care early, utilize community clinics and providers for routine check-ups, and transition to hospital services for high-risk support and delivery. Crucially, the campaign emphasizes that it is never too late to start care, aiming to remove stigma and support women at any stage of pregnancy.

“Early prenatal care is one of the most important things we can do to protect the health of both mother and baby,” said Dr. Raymond Mansoor, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at SLBMC. “We are seeing cases where women present late with conditions like hypertension and even infections such as syphilis—issues that can be identified early, managed effectively, and in many cases prevented from causing serious complications. Through Project Bloom, we want women to understand that starting care early gives us the opportunity to act early, ensuring safer pregnancies and better outcomes for both mother and child.”

Project Bloom will roll out over one year through a mix of social media content, public service announcements, media interviews, and enhanced antenatal classes. Each phase of the campaign will address common barriers to care, from uncertainty about where to go, to fear of the first visit, to misconceptions around high-risk pregnancies.

For many women, access to care is not just about availability, but about feeling supported and understood.

“We see every day how much of a difference early care makes for both mother and baby,” said Ann-Marie Browne-Isaac, SLBMC Departmental Nurse Manager for Maternity and Outpatient Clinic (which includes the antenatal clinic). “Our message is simple: start early with your community clinic or healthcare provider. This is one of those moments where most families come in happy, and we want them to leave happy. Starting care early helps us keep it that way—ensuring safer pregnancies, smoother deliveries, and the best possible outcomes.”

From a social support perspective, Project Bloom also seeks to address the real-life challenges many women face when navigating pregnancy.

“Sometimes the barriers aren’t just medical, they’re emotional, financial, or simply not knowing where to start,” said Chanier Moore, Social Worker at SLBMC. “Our message is simple: you are not alone in this. There is support available, and taking that first step, no matter how small, can make a real difference for you and your baby.”

By combining education, community outreach, and patient-centered messaging, Project Bloom aims to increase early engagement in prenatal care, improve outcomes, and ensure that more mothers and babies receive the care they need, when it matters most.

SLBMC is encouraging all expectant mothers and their families to connect with their community clinics or healthcare providers and begin their prenatal journey as early as possible.

For more information about Project Bloom, antenatal services, or upcoming classes, please contact the SLBMC Outpatient Clinic 484-2727.

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