We know that many people in the FLOURISH family are very concerned about coronavirus, and particularly how it may impact pregnant moms and babies. Last week, Generate Health, FLOURISH’s backbone organization, hosted a webinar with several maternal and child experts in our region to address this topic.
The most important takeaway is that all families should take preventative measures like washing hands and staying at home to avoid exposure. At this time, providers are not seeing any evidence that pregnant moms, babies, or children are at greater risk, though doctors and researchers are continuing to study the impact to these populations. They also are not seeing any evidence of the virus passing through the placenta barrier, which means unborn babies appear to be safe even if a pregnant mother gets the virus. The virus is not passed by breast milk but breastfeeding moms should consider pumping, or wearing a mask and gloves when baby is feeding, to avoid potentially spreading the virus.
Coronavirus is changing how all of us in the maternal and child health space work and support families. Organizations in our region are offering families support virtually, providing in-home doula and nurse practitioner services, and connecting families to other resources. Below are examples of how some of our partners are adapting their services to continue to be an important resource for families:
- Mom’s Line: This SSM service helps new and expectant mothers cope with the postpartum depression and anxiety that can come with pregnancy – and now is an especially stressful time to be pregnant or caring for a new baby. Ninety-two volunteers are answering an increased number of calls from moms, and the program’s in-person support groups have moved to group calls to enable connection while maintaining social distancing.
- Jamaa Birth Village: Jamaa is already experiencing an influx of requests for at-home services, and will be expanding their nurse practitioner and doula services to provide perinatal services virtually, continuing to support moms during this challenging time.
- Great Circle: A behavioral health services organization, Great Circle has shifted their focus from home and school visitors to virtual visitors, and has been conducting curbside drop offs to get important resources to families.
We are incredibly grateful to our colleagues working in health care. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and administrators for their unwavering commitment to caring for our community. Here at FLOURISH, we are doing our part by working at home and postponing all our in-person meetings, including the Community Leaders Cabinet, until it is safe to convene again. Rest assured that FLOURISH’s work is persevering, and we are keeping our partners and community connected even while we are remote. We continue to engage partners across the region to discuss solutions to infant mortality, and continue to fund nonprofits and community organizations who are providing support to families.
This is an evolving situation, and one that is stressful for many local families. If you or a family you know needs help accessing resources during this time, contact the United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline. You can also join our weekly webinars to hear how other organizations are responding to our community’s emerging needs and are providing resources to help families. Register for our April 1 webinar here.
