# Child Care Assistance for Maternal Health Act

This bill creates a new federal grant program to help pregnant women and new mothers by providing short-term child care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year after giving birth. The idea is that if mothers can get help caring for their other children during this critical period, they'll have more time to focus on their own health and recovery, which should improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

The federal government would award at least 10 grants to various organizations—including states, tribes, nonprofits, and public health departments—to run demonstration projects testing this approach. These projects would run for at least three years so researchers can see what actually works. The grants would prioritize areas with high maternal mortality rates and poverty, and at least one grant must go to a Native American tribe or organization. Organizations receiving grants could partner with child care providers, health clinics, and doula services to coordinate care and support for families.

The program focuses on helping the most vulnerable families first, including low-income households, single parents, families experiencing homelessness, and families with children who have disabilities or special health care needs. The child care provided could be flexible, short-term options like crisis nurseries that help mothers attend medical appointments or simply get a break during a stressful time. The bill also allows care for younger children than normally permitted under state licensing rules, as long as quality standards are maintained.

The bill authorizes $5 million per year for three years to fund these demonstration projects. Organizations receiving grants would have to report back on whether the program actually improves maternal health, child health, and the quality of child care provided. Congress would then use these results to decide whether to expand the program beyond these initial test projects.