Katirla and David were expecting their first child when they reached out to MOMS Orange County two years ago. The couple are now proud parents to 11-month old Mateo and have a deep appreciation of MOMS Orange County’s support and services during pregnancy and beyond.
“MOMS Orange County provided us with the fundamental foundation for our parenting journey and have guided us since pregnancy through Mateo’s first year. We lack words to describe how grateful we are for all the support they’ve given us,” said the couple.
The support started when David learned to understand Katirla’s needs during pregnancy and the hormonal changes she experienced. Together they learned what to expect during the time of delivery, the benefits of breastfeeding and the different stages of growth and development during pregnancy. Once Mateo was born, the focus was on feeding their baby and knowing what activities to do to stimulate their newborn through his first year.
They received advice on how to be a stable family for the health and development of their baby through a variety of classes all offered at no cost.
“Being new parents is not easy but with the help of MOMS Orange County’s team, we have been able to manage it in a patient and extraordinary way. You are our best guide for our Mateo who begins to venture on this path called the world!”
MOMS Orange County During COVID Pandemic
MOMS Orange County has continued to support low-income expectant couples and their babies during the pandemic in a variety of ways.
Chief Program Officer Luisa Santa, MPH says, “We want to make sure mom and baby are progressing through monthly virtual visits when we check on both health and basic needs. And especially at this time, we want to assess those who feel isolated and stressed.”
A high priority is placed on helping families navigate through challenges and supporting new mothers who have depression and anxiety.
MOMS Orange County’s services also connect families with resources to address their need for food and other essentials. The Santa Ana based nonprofit provides care packages to families in their program which include diapers, baby wipes, grocery gift cards, baby clothes, blankets and other infant care essentials. Many of these items are provided via partner organizations or are generously donated by the community.
Virtual Support
Encouraging moms and dads through virtual group classes helps expectant couples and new families stay connected and less isolated. The following virtual classes are currently offered in English, Spanish with a limited number in Vietnamese and include:
- Mommy & Me and My Parents & Me
- New Dad’s Workshop (support for new fathers so they can support their partner and baby)
- Parenting
- Prenatal Education and Childbirth Preparation
- Breastfeeding Support
To learn more about MOMS Orange County’s programs and services, visit www.momsorangecounty.org or call (800) 787-5858.
About MOMS Orange County
MOMS Orange County formed over 27 years ago in response to a crisis in access to prenatal healthcare for low-income, at-risk women. Today, MOMS Orange County serves more than 2,500 low-income families annually, directly influencing improvements in birth outcomes, maternal health, and developmental indicators among infants within a highly disadvantaged population.