
Nurturing Futures:
Empowering Moms Initiative
What is Nurturing Futures:
Our new program is aimed at supporting and empowering mothers in Niagara and Erie Counties. This initiative will bring together 25 moms from each county for a transformative year-long experience designed to improve maternal health, especially focusing on breastfeeding education, overcoming cultural barriers, and addressing systemic racism that negatively impacts maternal health outcomes. This program is to directly reduce maternal health disparities, while utilizing culturally relevant education and materials that resonate with the community and participants. We will also provide resources to address social determinants of health, facilitate transportation, access to care, and direct referrals to healthcare providers and services as needed.
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Program Highlights:
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Year-long commitment starting March 1st.
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One-time stipend for participating moms.
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Dedicated support from breastfeeding peers and a doula to guide and assist you throughout your journey.
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A focus on breastfeeding education alongside tackling critical challenges related to cultural and systemic barriers in maternal health.
Incentives
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Financial Support: $100 stipend for program participants
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Breastfeeding Essentials: Receive a variety of helpful breastfeeding supplies
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Supportive Resources: Access to supplies and tools to aid your breastfeeding experience
Ideal Candidate:
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Pregnancy Requirement: Commit to breastfeeding for a minimum of 3 months
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Educational Requirement: Complete the Calming Nature 2-hour breastfeeding education class
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Weekly Support Group: Attend the Breastfeeding Group every Tuesday from 6 PM to 7 PM
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Pregnancy Requirement:
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Must be 36 weeks or less pregnant
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Currently Breastfeeding for more than 4 weeks.
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Breastfeeding Benefits
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Nutritional Excellence: Provides the ideal balance of nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
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Immunity Boost: Contains antibodies and other immune factors that help protect against infections and diseases.
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Digestive Health: Easier to digest than formula and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
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Healthy Weight: Associated with a lower risk of obesity and healthy weight gain.
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Bonding: Promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and baby.
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Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions: Lower risk of developing allergies, asthma, and type 1 diabetes.
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Optimal Brain Development: Supports cognitive development
The Why:
By addressing cultural barriers and providing a non-judgmental environment, we create a space where mothers feel valued and supported, which is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being. This supportive atmosphere fosters positive behavioral changes and empowers mothers to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. Community involvement, including engagement with local leaders, will further enhance our educational efforts and help shift community norms around maternal health.
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Our mission is to reduce infant and maternal mortality and morbidity rates, increase breastfeeding rates, and address inequalities and racial disparities in low-income and BIPOC communities, with a special focus on the African American population. Alarmingly, Black women face pregnancy-related mortality rates 3-4 times higher than non-Hispanic white women, a disparity that reaches 5 times higher in New York State.
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​We invite all interested moms from Niagara and Erie Counties to apply for this amazing opportunity to receive expert support and resources to ensure a healthier, more informed maternal experience. Together, we can make a difference!
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If you meet the qualifications and want to enroll, click HERE to complete your registration form!
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This program is made possible by a generous grant from Univera Health and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York.
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