Pregnant Mother, Families Get Support!

Pregnant mothers, families get support

By ANDREA WOLF/Times-Herald staff writer

Article Launched: 02/24/2008 08:11:09 AM PST

Terrell Isom, who attended the baby shower with his pregnant fianc\é, Beatrice Johnson and their 10-year-old daughter, Makayla, said he learned a lot about what his fianc\é is going through and how he can help out.

"It made me realize that I need to tend to things I normally overlook, like washing dishes," Ison said. "I need to ease her burdens for the good of my fianc\é's health and the baby's."

The event, called "A More Excellent Way Baby Shower," was hosted by Tabernacle of David Missionary Baptist Church and the Solano County Black Infant Health Coalition.

"I learned a lot of critical information today about breast feeding and just taking care of myself," Johnson said. "Like formula in a can not being necessarily bad, but it can't substitute breast milk."

Monique Sims, co-chair of the Black Infant Health Coalition, said one of the main goals of the annual event is to educate African American families about the importance of breast feeding and prenatal care.

"Families need to understand pregnancy is a fragile time and moms really need to take care of themselves," Sims said.

The shower included a free meal, games, prizes, workshops and provided health resources for families.

"Everyone here was working feverishly to spoil the moms," Sims said.

While the mothers were being taken care of, fathers attended a men-only informational group led by the Rev. Nicholas McCray.

"It gives the men an opportunity to express how they feel about the woman they love being pregnant and also ask questions if they don't think they are going to be in a relationship with her," Sims said. "Reverend Nicholas explained how they will be in a lifetime relationship of parenting even if they are no longer together with the mother."

Courtney Gates, who attended the baby shower with her 4-month-old baby Serenity, said she appreciated the chance to meet other new mothers going through the same things she is experiencing.

"There are a lot of great resources here," Gates said. "Like how I can get an early head start on my baby's education by reading to my belly."

Sims said the Black Infant Health Coalition hopes to increase breast feeding rates in the Solano County African-American community.

Studies show babies who are breast fed have a healthier immune system, have a lower risk of chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes and have a lower chance of childhood obesity.

Recent studies say breast feeding can also lower the mother's risk of Type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

Each year the community baby shower is held at a different local church and organizers help make the host church more baby and mother friendly.

With help from Napa-Solano Kaiser Permanente and First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission, Sims and other volunteers installed baby changing tables and created comfortable breast feeding areas for women while they attend services.

Sims said about 120 people showed up to Saturday's event and there were considerably more men in attendance than in years prior.

"It's all about the community coming together to benefit the families," Sims said.

Parents are invited to a follow-up session from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tabernacle of David Missionary Baptist Church.