“When a mother feels supported, her baby feels it too.” Becky Borgman, Maternal and Reproductive Health Director, knows that taking care of baby starts with taking care of mom first. Thanks to the support of our wonderful partners at Principal Financial Group, more central Iowa moms served by EveryStep will find the support they need.
Too often, new mothers overlook their own health – both mental and physical – as they focus on the enormous task of raising a child. EveryStep’s Maternal Child Health program focuses on the needs of both baby and mom – making sure that mom has everything she needs to be strong enough for baby.
“Bringing a new baby home is challenging in every circumstance; the constant feeding, the outfit changes, and the effort it takes just to care for yourself,” says Becky, “It’s easy for new mothers to overlook their own needs.”
This is where EveryStep’s Perinatal Support Kits can make a difference. In March, a group of volunteers from Principal Financial Group – led by EveryStep Board of Trustees Member Renee Hamlen – joined EveryStep staff to help pack kits and re-supply the shelves at our offices.
“The kits include items such as diapers, baby wipes, lanolin, breast pads, and pacifiers, all critical items moms need in the first few days home from the hospital,” says Molly Gosselink, EveryStep’s Vice President of Clinical Services, “Having these items on hand can be a big relief for moms who are already dealing with the enormous change bringing a newborn home creates.”
“One of the biggest adjustments for first-time parents – aside from their sleep schedule – is the sudden realization of the cost of raising a child. The anxiety and strain that comes with money worries only worsens the problem”, says Becky, “Add financial stress on top of that, and accessing essential postpartum items becomes even harder. These packs help bridge that gap by giving new mothers the items they need to care for themselves during their own recovery.”
None of this – and so much more – would be possible without the enormous outpouring of support that EveryStep receives from Principal Financial Group.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Principal Financial Group Foundation, we were able to continue vital services beyond what is typically possible; including sustaining doula programming after state funding ended, providing Stork’s Nest items like safe sleep resources and car seats, and supporting staff time,” says Molly, “All of which together strengthened perinatal and parenting education and the health and well-being of Iowa families.”
