News
Releases
January
2, 2008
West Georgia Health System Introduces
First Steps to Relieve New Mothers' Stress
Troup
County parents who give birth at West Georgia Health System are
getting a head start on the first few challenging months of parenthood
thanks to a new program at the hospital called, First Steps.
Aiming
to help new parents establish a positive relationship with their
newborn children, First Steps' services are offered free of charge
to residents in Troup and surrounding counties. Established by
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, the volunteer-driven program offers
emotional and parental support, as well as, parenting education
and referrals to community resources for new parents up to three
months after the birth of their child. The support promotes healthy
family relationships and reduces the risk of child abuse and neglect.
West Georgia Health System is one of only four health care facilities
in the state to receive a grant from the Georgia Children's Trust
Fund Commission for the new parent support program.
Bridget
Baker, First Steps Coordinator at West Georgia Health System,
said it's important that new parents have the necessary support
in the first months of parenting.
Teaching
parents how to bond with their new baby and lessen their stress
levels is a preventive step against child abuse, Baker said.
"The
birth of a baby is a joyful time," said Baker. "But
the ensuing weeks and months are often stressful and can give
rise to behaviors that are detrimental to both parent and child.
First Steps offers parents support and the necessary resources
to navigate through this stressful period after childbirth."
Prevent
Child Abuse Georgia created First Steps to help families transition
their lives to accommodate a new baby. Trained First Steps volunteers
help new parents learn how to care for their infant and access
vital resources in the first stages of parenthood.
The
program offers:
- Personal visits by trained volunteers and information on
important topics including postpartum care, brain development,
Shaken Baby Syndrome, fatherhood and SIDS;
- "Our Babies First Year Calendar," depicting growth
and developmental milestones for infants;
- 24-hour telephone helpline providing support and answers to
parenting questions;
- Community resource guide with information on parenting resources.
Even experienced parents
can benefit from the program, Baker added, by gaining a refresher
course on the important milestones to watch for as well as tips
and techniques every parent needs to know.
To find out how you can volunteer,
call: (706) 812-2266.
For more information
on Prevent Child Abuse Georgia and First Steps, visit the Web
site: http://www.preventchildabusega.org/html/firststeps.html.
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