New resources are now available in our area for low-income new moms as part of a partnership between Northern Nevada Public Health and Northern Nevada Maternal and Child Health Coalition.
The organizations say sometimes the expense of supplies needed after giving birth make it hard for low-income families to obtain them. New Mama Care Kits help to fill this need.
"We have seen in a study conducted by Baby Center that more than half of new moms don't feel like they have the necessary support," said Maricruz Schaefer, Senior Public Health Nurse at Northern Nevada Public Health. "So this is where this kit comes in. We're really trying to initiate a conversation with new mothers and provide them with necessary services."
The kits will include supplies like:
- 15 individually wrapped maxi pads
- 1 package of wet wipes/moist personal wipes
- 2 pairs of mesh brief underwear
- 2 mini bottles of hand sanitizer
- 1 tube of nipple cream
- 10 individually wrapped disposable bra pads
- 1 package of witch hazel pads
- Information about ‘What to Expect After Giving Birth’ and ‘How to Care for Stitches’
They hope the kits will help encourage moms to reach out for more support, because this is a reminder for new moms to also take care of themselves.
"Being a new parent is very difficult and we need to take care of our own mental health," Schaefer explains. "Even just having the bare necessities can really help alleviate some stress."
She says the whole point of the program is to help new mothers feel supported by their community.
Schaefer also tells us they only have a limited amount of kits, so if you'd like one you can click here for more information.
You can also find the kits at NNPH's Family Planning and WIC clinics on 1001 E. 9th St., WCSD Family Resource Centers and The Children's Cabinet.
“So we’re really focusing on (women) who are either about to deliver or on their last trimester, or who are within 30 days after delivery," Schaefer said. "Those are the families we’re really trying to target currently until we get more funding or donations to be able to expand how may kits we have available to distribute.”
She says this program really does mean a lot for new moms.
“I feel like, from my knowledge, this is one of the first services where we’re really targeting just the mom," she said. "There are other services in the community who really target towards a baby or a child, which is amazing, but we also need to support the mom.”
They're also asking the public for gift donations to help customize these gifts a little more, so they can feel even more special to the moms receiving the kits.
If you would like to donate you can do so by contacting one of the board members at the Northern Nevada Maternal Child Health Coalition.
