NATCHEZ — A national organization focusing on maternal and infant health is scheduled to open a facility in Natchez Jan. 6

Square Roots plans to implement its “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” program in the area and plans to purchase a property to house a maternal coaching program, Program Coordinator Rochelle Fields said.

Five coaches will host 25 women from the time of their early pregnancy until their children are 3 months old. The program will include trained doulas and breast-feeding experts, and will educate mothers about proper nutrition during pregnancy and nursing, labor and delivery, postpartum care and early childhood education.

Fields said the Miss-Lou is in particular need of the program.

“We have a high rate of premature birth, (sudden infant death syndrome) and C-sections in Natchez, especially among the African-American community,” Fields said.

The program has the potential to grow far beyond its initial size if the community supports the organization.

“It’s really overdue and needed,” Fields said. “Once you teach somebody something, you teach their children and their children’s children. It’s a great asset for the community as a whole.”

A motion to approve a memorandum of understanding between Square Roots and the City of Natchez failed with a 3-2 vote by the Natchez Board of Aldermen at its specially called meeting Monday.

Community Development Director James Johnston told the board the memorandum was not asking the city for any financial commitment, only to come out in support of the infant and maternal health initiative.

Ward 2 Alderman Rickey Gray and Ward 4 Alderman Tony Fields voted to approve the memorandum. Ward 3 Alderwoman Sarah Smith, Ward 5 Alderman Mark Fortenbery and Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard voted against it.

Smith said while she is certainly in support of programs for healthy mothers and babies, she did not think she had enough details on Square Roots’ efforts to vote in support of the memorandum.

“When we do things and don’t know the details, I don’t want it to be a controversy (down the road),” she said.

Smith voiced concerns about certain provisions in the memorandum including Square Roots having sole discretion over the programs that would be implemented at the house the group plans to purchase, as well as where the facility would be, how it would be staffed and what services would be offered.

Rochelle Fields said she expects the program’s support in the community to eventually change the board’s mind.

“I believe some people who did not vote for it did not have all the information they needed at that time,” she said. “I think they will realize how it’s going to be a blessing for the city and for Adams County.”