Being young and pregnant can be overwhelming. Many teens are relatively uninformed about pregnancy issues and childcare, and they are often unaware of the resources available to them.
Mount Sinai’s Young Mothers Prenatal Group has been helping young pregnant women for a dozen years by offering a forum in which participants can seek comfort and support from health-care professionals and peers.
The program was originally founded by Valerie Glasgow, NUA for Nursing Unit 7-L, and Daphne Egonu, Nursing Clinician for Perinatology at Mount Sinai. Currently facilitated by Arati Das, Nurse and Clinical Case Coordinator for the Maternal Infant Program, the classes teach young women aged 15 to 25 how to prepare for the birth of their child and life afterwards.
Das focuses on being as honest and open with the women as possible. “I can see myself in a lot of these girls and I just want them to succeed,” she said. Das also works very closely with a social worker, who helps participants find daycare and housing, and with a dietician who teaches the students about diet and healthy eating.
Partners often get involved with the program, something which Das encourages.
Along with teaching how to properly breastfeed and prepare formula, the classes also give the participants an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere. Subjects such as postpartum depression and domestic violence are covered as well. Many young women have nowhere else to openly discuss sensitive issues like these, and they can often feel isolated and confused.
Young mothers come from all over the GTA to attend the program, all eventually giving birth at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Das encourages women in the class to develop friendships so the families can support each other. Graduates often drop by for a visit long after the classes are over. “I have an open-door policy and I am always trying to keep in touch with previous moms from the program,” she said.
“Our philosophy is to provide support and to empower young women and families,” Das said. “I believe the program makes a world of difference in the lives of these young women as we aim to ensure the success and achievement of all young families.”