October 8, 2024
Family Support Services Help Young Parents Build a Healthy Family
Young parents face many challenges as they build healthy families. While age alone doesn’t predict successful parenting, studies have shown that young parents often feel less prepared for the demands that face them. Family support services like those provided by EveryStep help young parents like Faith and Tristan.
“Stacey really helped with how pregnancy was going, like counting your baby’s kicks — just a lot of details that helped me feel more secure in my pregnancy.”
Faith was 20 years old when she and her fiancé Tristan learned they were expecting a baby. Like many young mothers, Faith was having trouble with the transition to parenthood. “UnityPoint recommended EveryStep because I was struggling with how to cope with all the different things that were going on in pregnancy. It was very scary.” Faith reached out and connected with EveryStep RN Stacey Blitz.
“She really helped with how pregnancy was going, like counting your baby’s kicks — just a lot of details that helped me feel more secure in my pregnancy; that it was okay, that everything was fine,” says Faith. “I remember I had a freak-out because I couldn't feel him kick for a while. Stacey explained how sometimes babies just aren't as mobile for a little while, and then they start kicking more. She's been really helpful with a lot of those things.”
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First-time parents have a lot of questions and Faith was anxious about her baby’s well-being. Without close family, Faith relied upon Stacey to provide information and support. “I felt comfortable. She was that person I could turn to and ask ‘hey, is this okay or not okay?’ She was that person for me.”
Baby Waylon was born July 1, 2024, and Stacey and EveryStep continue to be a big part of his young family’s life. “Stacey helped me when Waylon had struggles sleeping in a crib, or how much medication to give him when he needed it,” says Faith. Tristan, who works overnights, says Stacey has also been there for Faith when his schedule doesn’t allow him to be.
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“It's been helpful because Faith can get all her questions answered instead of going directly to Google and getting scared and worrying that she needs to go to the hospital immediately,” says Tristan. Faith agrees that Stacey’s home visits to check on baby Waylon give her peace of mind. “Stacey weighs him and I feel comforted knowing that he's growing,” says Faith. “Telling me the milestones that he should be reaching — that's been super helpful.”
Faith and Tristan also make use of EveryStep’s Stork’s Nest, where Faith can earn points through positive parenting activities and use them to “purchase” items like diapers, wipes, safety supplies and more. “They have everything you need!” says Faith.
During life’s most difficult moments, we all need a care and support network to guide us through. Parents with young children experience an especially vulnerable stage in life. EveryStep offers guidance and support as Iowans turn moments of vulnerability into opportunities to live thriving lives.
The diversity and breadth of our programs ensure we can meet a variety of needs at once and provide ongoing assistance over time. Our care and support programs have led to real results for thousands of Iowans who are now leading more stable, fulfilling lives.
Your donation to EveryStep is a powerful act, demonstrating that you believe in a community where people show up for one another. Donate today to make sure no one falls through the gaps in our community fabric.
Help Young Parents Like Faith and Tristan
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