PARENTAL ENCOURAGEMENT
We are dedicated to helping moms be the best ever on this incredible journey of life. Here, you’ll find a range of resources designed to help you not only survive, but to thrive in motherhood. Join us as we support you through this amazing journey!
1. Taking prenatal vitamins when planning for pregnancy or early into your pregnancy can help you receive vital nutrients needed for fetal development. Talk with your doctor when considering pregnancy.
2. La Leche League. La Leche League mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
3. The National Diaper Bank Network is a nonprofit organization that supplies disposable and even cloth diapers to families in need. There are over 200 diaper banks across the country that serve some 280,000 babies and young children each month.
https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/
4. Safe Sleep Missouri has a mission to provide safe sleep environments for babies and to educate families on safe sleep practices. Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to make sure your crib meets safety requirements. And you’ll also want to investigate to see if the crib has any CPSC recalls before using it with your baby.
https://safesleep.mo.gov/dese-safe-cribs-for-missouri-program/
5. The Early Head Start program is for children from birth to 3 years old. It provides a quality day care environment intended to “promote the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers.” Call 866-763-6481 with any questions.
https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/quality-programs/preschool-programs/early-head-start
6. The Buy Nothing Project is all about something called the gift economy. You can find local groups via Facebook that have literally anything and everything you may need, such as bottles, toys, baby carriers, for free. You can even post things you’re in search of to see if other members may be able to help you out by either lending or giving. Freecycle is a similar organization.
https://buynothingproject.org/
7. If you find yourself in urgent need of an essential item (food, diapers, child care, etc.) and don’t know where to turn, call 2-1-1 United Way services. This number will connect you with staff and volunteers who can direct you to various resources in your area. You can find anything from help paying your bills to finding food to getting much-needed baby items, healthcare, and more. You can also call 2-1-1 for support with domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, homelessness, or any other crisis situation. Can’t call? You can search for your local 2-1-1 organization and text or search for resources online.
https://unitedwaygkc.org/211-2/
8. Postpartum depression (PPD) is different from the “baby blues,” which usually gets better within 2 weeks without treatment. PPD symptoms are more intense, can last longer, and can be serious if not treated. Only a healthcare professional can tell you if what you are feeling is more than the “baby blues.” That’s why it is important to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor right away.
9. Pathways.org is a trusted resource for expectant and new parents. They provide milestones supported by American Academy of Pediatrics findings to help parents track their baby’s development from birth. Download the app for activities and milestones for your baby at their particular age.
10. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. Go to https://imaginationlibrary.com/ to see if a program is available in your area.
HELP IS AVAILABLE. JUST ASK.
Raising a child takes a lot of your time and resources. Fortunately, if you find yourself in a spot where you need help, there are various programs that may fill your essential needs. The above programs are just a snippet of available resources for you.
If you cannot find programs you need, consider reaching out to your child’s pediatrician or someone else in your community who might be able to assist you. There’s always help. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.