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'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia focuses on providing educational services and support to pregnant women by working with community partners to establish Moms Clubs across our service area. The 'Before Baby' Program focuses on six core topics that are vital to healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Our initiatives and goals are to support pregnancies through personal interaction, education, and community. Please view our Media page for videos and a Powerpoint overview.
For information about maternal child program consulting services or to start a Moms Club, please contact Merry McKenna at merry@bbmomsclub.com
or call 276-494-5419. Go to Start a Club page. Vertical Divider
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Sincerest thanks to
Virginia March of Dimes for their continued support of our mission to promote healthy pregnancies. |
Below is an archive of the activities of 'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia, our accomplishments, community partnerships,
and our ability to reach and engage an at-risk population.
and our ability to reach and engage an at-risk population.
Please contact Merry McKenna at 276-494-5419 if you have questions or need information.
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FREE 2019 TRAINING OPPORTUNITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Catching Up With Lisa Bernstein
Lisa Bernstein, co-founder and former Executive Director of The What To Expect Foundation, has embarked on a new mission. She is the founder and President of Simply Put Media, whose mission is "Publishing and Programming for Change". It is a non-profit that "uses our words and our voices" to help adults
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in the US and around the world make changes for themselves and their families. Lisa is especially proud of the international efforts currently in Liberia and Bangladesh where they are reaching parents and providing them with education through books, videos, and group meetings. Click the logo or here to visit the website.
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William & Mary Receives Grant
(December 20, 2017 by Mona Sharaf '19)
The William & Mary Healthy Beginnings Program received a $10,000 grant from the March of Dimes as part of an effort to help incarcerated women receive vital prenatal care. Since the start of the program in 2012, more than 380 pregnant women in Virginia correctional facilities have been helped.
Through the Healthy Beginnings Program, William & Mary staff work with local jail and prison facilities to provide nutritional support, prenatal vitamins and other essential health care resources to pregnant women entering those facilities. The program also helps incarcerated and newly released parents transition to caring for an infant in the first year after pregnancy.
“The majority of pregnancies have resulted in positive outcomes, thanks to the Healthy Beginnings Program and the support of our partners, including the March of Dimes,” said William & Mary Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences and Director of Graduate Studies Danielle Dallaire. “Participants in the program have demonstrated better birth outcomes, including higher birth weights and longer gestation periods.” According to Dallaire, if Healthy Beginnings is able to reduce the preterm birth rate of just 10 incarcerated women, it is estimate to save the state $500,000 in infant medical care related expenses.
Healthy Beginnings was founded in 2012 by Dallaire and Associate Professor of Psychology Catherine Forestell, and is the first program of its kind in the U.S. It is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of professionals, educators, medical personnel and students who are committed to supporting healthy pregnancies and babies through promoting healthy behaviors, education, awareness and empowerment. The March of Dimes funding follows similar grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Anthem Foundation for the program.
Alyssa Eversmeyer ’18 is one of the five students currently involved with the program. Students enter data, help with research and assist in community outreach. She says Healthy Beginnings is not just something that helps women get through pregnancy, but provides support every step of the way. “There is a variety of important social services we provide like helping them get a car seat, substance abuse help, diapers and housing,” Eversmeyer says.
The Healthy Beginnings Diaper Bank is another great resource for mothers in the program. It also provides diapers for mothers throughout the Williamsburg area.
“The diaper bank helps me contribute to the community in a way that classes don’t,” Eversmeyer says. “Through the diaper bank, we give diapers to the incarcerated women we work with, but also to local families in the community who are struggling financially. This diaper bank was created because there wasn’t one in the community and there was a need for it. It is something that the community needs that we can do.”
Health education is also an important part of Healthy Beginning's mission. The program’s research shows that improved nutrition knowledge leads to longer pregnancies and healthier babies. Angela Boland, a licensed clinical psychologist and program coordinator, visits the incarcerated women enrolled in Healthy Beginnings.
“We provide information on a variety of different aspects of pregnancy that allow the women to educate themselves about how to handle pregnancy,” Boland says. “Being able to work with the women directly and educate them is extremely important.”
The William & Mary Healthy Beginnings Program received a $10,000 grant from the March of Dimes as part of an effort to help incarcerated women receive vital prenatal care. Since the start of the program in 2012, more than 380 pregnant women in Virginia correctional facilities have been helped.
Through the Healthy Beginnings Program, William & Mary staff work with local jail and prison facilities to provide nutritional support, prenatal vitamins and other essential health care resources to pregnant women entering those facilities. The program also helps incarcerated and newly released parents transition to caring for an infant in the first year after pregnancy.
“The majority of pregnancies have resulted in positive outcomes, thanks to the Healthy Beginnings Program and the support of our partners, including the March of Dimes,” said William & Mary Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences and Director of Graduate Studies Danielle Dallaire. “Participants in the program have demonstrated better birth outcomes, including higher birth weights and longer gestation periods.” According to Dallaire, if Healthy Beginnings is able to reduce the preterm birth rate of just 10 incarcerated women, it is estimate to save the state $500,000 in infant medical care related expenses.
Healthy Beginnings was founded in 2012 by Dallaire and Associate Professor of Psychology Catherine Forestell, and is the first program of its kind in the U.S. It is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of professionals, educators, medical personnel and students who are committed to supporting healthy pregnancies and babies through promoting healthy behaviors, education, awareness and empowerment. The March of Dimes funding follows similar grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Anthem Foundation for the program.
Alyssa Eversmeyer ’18 is one of the five students currently involved with the program. Students enter data, help with research and assist in community outreach. She says Healthy Beginnings is not just something that helps women get through pregnancy, but provides support every step of the way. “There is a variety of important social services we provide like helping them get a car seat, substance abuse help, diapers and housing,” Eversmeyer says.
The Healthy Beginnings Diaper Bank is another great resource for mothers in the program. It also provides diapers for mothers throughout the Williamsburg area.
“The diaper bank helps me contribute to the community in a way that classes don’t,” Eversmeyer says. “Through the diaper bank, we give diapers to the incarcerated women we work with, but also to local families in the community who are struggling financially. This diaper bank was created because there wasn’t one in the community and there was a need for it. It is something that the community needs that we can do.”
Health education is also an important part of Healthy Beginning's mission. The program’s research shows that improved nutrition knowledge leads to longer pregnancies and healthier babies. Angela Boland, a licensed clinical psychologist and program coordinator, visits the incarcerated women enrolled in Healthy Beginnings.
“We provide information on a variety of different aspects of pregnancy that allow the women to educate themselves about how to handle pregnancy,” Boland says. “Being able to work with the women directly and educate them is extremely important.”
“It is amazing to see the work we do come to life.” ~Angela Boland
BBMC Giving Back - Donating Diapers to Houston Relief
Centra’s Lynchburg and Farmville Before Baby Moms Clubs wanted to help the littlest residents of Houston. Moms and dads helped pack diapers to send to flood ravaged Houston. Thanks to Ann Scott and Sarafina Cooper for organizing this wonderful effort, and to our moms and dads for their contributions and help. We are very proud of you! If your club or a community partner wants to support a diaper drive, please contact Merry for details.
Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment (SCRIPT)
Adopting SCRIPT in Your Organization (SCRIPT) train-the-trainer workshop for health professionals was held on July 28th at March of Dimes office in Glen Allen, VA. SCRIPT is an award-winning, evidence-based program that has helped thousands of pregnant women quit smoking. It is cited by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality’s Smoking Cessation Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Virginia March of Dimes Announces Grant to Centra
May 1, 2017: Centra received a $16,000 grant from Virginia March of Dimes to help fund Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital’s and Centra Southside Community Hospital’s Before Baby Moms Clubs. These funds help to advance maternal and infant health in Lynchburg and Farmville by supporting the 'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia Program through a grant to Centra Women and Children’s Services. 'Before Baby' Moms Club is an evidence based program that improves birth outcomes by providing prenatal education and support for parents-to-be in a fun group setting. It offers an opportunity for women in various stages of their pregnancies to explore issues, receive information, learn practical skills and have their questions answered as a group. The program is facilitated by a trained educator in an informal and non-intimidating setting, using a colorful, comprehensive and easy to understand prenatal guide. “I believe that every parent wants and deserves the best for their baby," states Ann Scott, Before Baby Moms Club Program Coordinator, "the program empowers parents with the confidence and knowledge needed to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies.” Participants receive information at every meeting on at least one of the following core topics; preterm labor, nutrition, safe sleep, breastfeeding, substance use, birth spacing and abuse/depression. Go to
Do You Have Questions About Breastfeeding?
Did you know breastfeeding offers health benefits for both mother and baby? Megan DeWitt and Meena Tamakloe of the Hampton Health Department talk about the health aspects, plus resources available to nursing moms - from laws to insurance to WIC programs. Watch their informative discussion on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsdXGIgoLUU&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsdXGIgoLUU&feature=youtu.be
EXPO 2016: Bristol/Abingdon Area Moms
A relaxing day filled with education, giveaways and healthy opportunities awaits attendees of the annual Women and Children's Expo at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
The expo will be held Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the hospital's conference center on the ground floor.
The expo will be held Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the hospital's conference center on the ground floor.
This special event will feature free bone density scans, tours of the birthing center, numerous giveaways and prize drawings. Educational sessions, taught by physicians and other medical professionals, will be held throughout the day. Participants are entered into a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card for every session they attend, giving them multiple opportunities to win. Topics include:
Prematurity Prevention Conference 2015
November 17-18, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA
The Prematurity Prevention Conference will examine ways to enhance prematurity prevention efforts in the United States by sharing best practices for designing, implementing and evaluating programs and policies. The conference is organized by the March of Dimes in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nurse-Mid-wives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and National Association of County & City Health Officials. Click here for more details>>>
Chesterfield Health District Receives March of Dimes Grant
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May 7, 2015: The Chesterfield Health District received a check from the March of Dimes in the amount of $12,500 to sponsor Baby Basics Moms Club, an educational and support program offered to pregnant women aimed at improving birth outcomes. “Healthy, successful birth outcomes for both mother and child often goes hand-in-hand with essential discussions between clients and health care providers on beneficial prenatal care. The generous sponsorship of this program by the March of Dimes can positively impact mothers-to-be and her children in Chesterfield County,” said Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Parham Jaberi. “By improving pregnancies through personal interaction, education, and community support, Baby Basics Moms Club initiatives are in exceptional alignment with the day-to-day work and mission of the Chesterfield Health District.” Club meetings are also supported by local community and business partners. Each session is facilitated by a licensed public health nurse, and is offered in English and Spanish.
Lynchburg Moms Club "Strollers"
The "Strolling for Babies" plan came to a great conclusion as Lynchburg moms and dads returned along with their babies in strollers to support March of Dimes and March for Babies on April 18th. Sporting colorful signs and lots of smiles, it was a great day of fun for these Moms Club graduates! Well done, Lynchburg!
Lynchburg Moms Club graduates "strolling" to support March for Babies
Lynchburg Moms (and Dads) Plan "Strolling for Babies"
Centra's BB Moms Club held a special reunion on March 12, 2015, as moms returned along with their babies to discuss supporting the March of Dimes and March for Babies in Lynchburg. Currently twenty moms and 2 dads are planning to walk and fundraise for the March of Dimes, an organization that has meant so much, to so many. Centra's BB Moms Club is challenging all BB Moms Clubs across Virginia to participate in their local March for Babies. We have designated this support as “Strolling for Babies” because the moms are planning to have their babies with them, in strollers, as they walk.
William & Mary Healthy Beginnings Project
Receives Grant
The William & Mary Healthy Beginnings Project has received a $12,000, one-year grant from the March of Dimes to offer Baby Basics Moms Clubs to pregnant, incarcerated women. The new clubs, which will be established in Henrico Jail, Riverside Regional Jail and Hampton Roads Regional Jail, will offer participants a chance to learn in a group setting about a variety of topics, including nutrition and relationships. These clubs will be the first offered in Virginia jails. The Baby Basic Moms Club (BBMC) is a free program offered at locations throughout the Commonwealth by the 'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia and community partners. “We are thrilled to have the support of the March of Dimes and to offer a more comprehensive curriculum to our participants, we are especially pleased to offer referrals to our participants to other BBMCs throughout Virginia so that they can continue with the program after they are released from jail,” said Danielle Dallaire, principal investigator of the Healthy Beginnings Project. Click here to read more about this exciting new program>>>
2015 Grant Recipients Announced
March of Dimes Virginia Chapter announced its 2015 Grant Recipients on January 30th. These grants make it possible to add new Baby Basics Moms Clubs to our BBMC family. 'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia is a signature program offered by March of Dimes to address issues impacting poor birth outcomes and assist moms-to-be in having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. New club sites will launch in the Mount Rogers Health District at the Smyth County Health Department, Johnston Memorial Hospital, and Washington County Health Department. Other new sites include the College of William & Mary hosting three Moms Club programs for incarcerated pregnant women, the University of Virginia adding a Spanish club along with their English speaking group. In Newport News, March of Dimes welcomes Riverside Brentwood Medical Center, joining Bon Secour Mary Immaculate and South Eastern Family Project. Also new to the team is Virginia Commonwealth University. As each new club is ready to launch, information and calendars will be added to the website.
Meeting sites continue to be offered at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Carilion Roanoke OB Clinic (English/Spanish), Centra Health at Virginia Baptist Hospital, Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, University of Virginia and Chesterfield Health Department.
Newport News Announces Second Moms Club
Newport News Moms Club is kicking off 2015 by adding a second Baby Basics Moms Club location! The new club will meet twice each month on Thursday beginning January 8, 2015, at Riverside Brentwood Medical Center, 10510 Jefferson Ave. Meetings will be held in the Conference Room of Family Medicine from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Our 'Before Baby' Moms Club 2014 Garden Project
The chill of fall and early frost has brought our BBMC gardening season to an end. The Demonstration Garden was a pilot project to support our program initiative to deliver nutritional education to our moms club members in Southwest Virginia. We think our garden was a great success and we look forward to next year!
Virginia's 2014 Prematurity Report Card
The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Each year, they issue a Premature Birth Report Card that grades each state on its efforts to lower premature births. This year Virginia improved last year's grade of "C" to a "B" on the 2014 Report Card. The Office of the Governor recognized this achievement citing the great deal of teamwork and planning by a large number of partners across Virginia. 'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia is honored to be part of the ongoing effort to improve the health of babies and moms though our association with the March of Dimes Virginia Chapter. To learn more about prematurity in Virginia, click here>>>
Hiker Raising Money for March of Dimes
Joey McKenna along with his dog, Doja, is hiking the Appalachian Trail which covers 14 states and roughly 2,180 miles from Maine to Georgia. Along the way, he was inspired to create a fundraiser to benefit the March of Dimes Foundation. Joey is the son of Merry McKenna, Executive Director of 'Before Baby' Moms Club.
Virginia Nurse of the Year Finalists
Karen Davis, our Washington County Moms Club facilitator, is a finalist in the annual March of Dimes Virginia Nurse of the Year Awards Program. She is a Southwest Virginia native, mother of two, and holds a BSN in Nursing from ETSU. She has worked over 20 years within the public health sector for both Virginia and Tennessee Departments of Health. These awards honor excellence in nursing care and pay tribute to the men and women who work for positive changes within the healthcare community. Over 325 nurses were nominated across Virginia by patients, friends, co-workers, and other health professionals from which 121 finalists were chosen. Award recipients will be announced on November 1st at a gala event in Richmond. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and we are especially proud to have Karen as part of our Baby Basics Moms Club team!
Welcoming Newport News to the Baby Basics Family
'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia is excited to announce the launch of Baby Basics Moms Club in Newport News. The club will officially kick things off with an Open House on Tuesday, August 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Community Education Building/Conference Center at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Newport News. The group is free, fun and on a drop-in basis, according to its organizer, Liz Marshall. "All pregnant women are welcome," she said, along with a friend or family member. Funding for our newest club is provided by March of Dimes.
Newport News Moms Club will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month; and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays. Refreshments and giveaways will be offered at every group.
Newport News Moms Club will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month; and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays. Refreshments and giveaways will be offered at every group.
It Was a Great Garden Party!
It was a garden party at the Moms Club Demonstration Garden Monday night, July 28th. Bristol area Moms Club participants from JMH, WCHD and BRMC joined us between the tomatoes and peppers for an evening of fun. Club facilitators and guests provided a cooking demo using veggies straight from our own garden. All moms and visitors were able to pick fresh produce to take home with them. Please feel free to stop by, pull a few weeds and pick from the garden. Thanks again to Frye-Shaffer Insurance for the use of this great garden space.
INTotal Health joined us with their mobile unit, provided treats for our moms and plenty of cold beverages. A special thank you to the moms and visitors that joined us and for those that continue to work in the garden to make sure our harvest is a winner!
INTotal Health joined us with their mobile unit, provided treats for our moms and plenty of cold beverages. A special thank you to the moms and visitors that joined us and for those that continue to work in the garden to make sure our harvest is a winner!
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The Moms Club Hands-On Demonstration Garden
Healthy eating starts from the ground up and that’s just what the Moms Club Team in Southwest Virginia aims to offer pregnant women. Expecting moms want to do all they can to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. An important part of promoting good health is taking a look at the way we shop for groceries and the way we eat. The Moms Club of Bristol, Washington County and Johnston Memorial Hospital have put on their garden gloves, loaded up their wheelbarrows and headed to the garden to help expecting women learn more about growing their own food and shopping fresh. It’s about the whole process from planting your garden, cultivating, harvesting and cooking it up for your family. We want moms to experience the rewards of growing vegetables and fruits and integrating them into their daily diet. Our garden demonstrates the various steps and lets our moms be part of the journey from seed to dinner plate.
Moms have the opportunity to hear speakers about growing and tending a garden, nutritionists about ways to prepare what they have grown and learn from both novice and experts the secrets to the best tasting veggies. It’s also a chance to pull weeds, water plants and share in the bounty of what we grow.
Amy Benjamin lends support
from INTotal Health
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Karen Davis, WashCo Moms Club Facilitator
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Mom-to-Be Scarecrow
All pregnant women, Moms Club Moms past and present, are invited to
participate in the fun. We also encourage our community partners that
have knowledge they would like to share to contact us about joining us
in the garden. Garden space has been provided in-kind by Frye-Shaffer
Insurance.
We are located at the entrance to Lowry Hills on Old Dominion Road (off Lee Hwy), directly across from the DMV and beside Frye- Shaffer Insurance. Just look for the pregnant lady in the garden.
We are located at the entrance to Lowry Hills on Old Dominion Road (off Lee Hwy), directly across from the DMV and beside Frye- Shaffer Insurance. Just look for the pregnant lady in the garden.
Facilitator Training for Virginia Model Implementation
BB Moms Club of Virginia hosted a one-day training for facilitators implementing the Virginia Model program on June 10, 2014. This fun and informative day included information on how to replicate our group model program that is being successfully implemented in 10 sites across Virginia. This training was sponsored by the March of Dimes Virginia Chapter in Glen Allen (near Richmond). If you are interested in requesting training to bring Moms Club to your organization or community, contact Merry McKenna at 276-644-0501, or email merry@bbmomsclub.com.
Moms Club Joins 2014 March for Babies
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March of Dimes supporters gathered at Sugar Hollow Park, Bristol, VA, for the 2014 March for Babies. Participants from the Washington County Moms Club were on hand to support the March of Dimes effort to help babies begin healthier lives. Pictured with the Baby Basics Moms Club sign are Lydia Landis (L) of Care Connection for Children and Nikki Hicks (R), March of Dimes Community Director.
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Moms Club Has Two New Community Partners
Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia welcomes Virginia Premier Health Plan to the team of club sponsors. If you’re pregnant, they are excited and we are too! The combined efforts of VA Premier's Healthy Heartbeats Program and BB Moms Club of Virginia offer expecting moms the opportunity to learn about having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
We want to also express our appreciation to INTotal Health (formerly Amerigroup Virginia LLC) who has our new baby bums covered with diapers for moms attending Abingdon Moms Club. We are also excited to have their support for special nutrition surprises for participants. Come and join us as we learn about healthy snacks for the mom-to-be.
We want to also express our appreciation to INTotal Health (formerly Amerigroup Virginia LLC) who has our new baby bums covered with diapers for moms attending Abingdon Moms Club. We are also excited to have their support for special nutrition surprises for participants. Come and join us as we learn about healthy snacks for the mom-to-be.
Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia
Viewed As Way To Enhance PreNatal Care
The following article was co-authored by Sharon Veith, Perinatal Outreach Coordinator at UVA, and Moms Club Facilitator. (published by The Daily Progress, 2/9/2014, Charlottesville, VA)
Excerpt: To better understand issues that affect infant mortality in our own community, the local health department, healthcare agencies, nonprofits and community members formed a collaborative, the PD10 Improving Pregnancy Outcomes Workgroup. One new program that is designed to fill this role is Baby Basics Moms Club. Coming together with other moms-to-be is one way moms can receive support navigating the highs and lows of becoming a mother. At Baby Basics Moms Club, pregnant women can come together to meet and talk about their pregnancies, ask questions and learn from each other. Support partners, like the father of the baby, a friend, a sibling or a parent, can join in on the fun as well.
Excerpt: To better understand issues that affect infant mortality in our own community, the local health department, healthcare agencies, nonprofits and community members formed a collaborative, the PD10 Improving Pregnancy Outcomes Workgroup. One new program that is designed to fill this role is Baby Basics Moms Club. Coming together with other moms-to-be is one way moms can receive support navigating the highs and lows of becoming a mother. At Baby Basics Moms Club, pregnant women can come together to meet and talk about their pregnancies, ask questions and learn from each other. Support partners, like the father of the baby, a friend, a sibling or a parent, can join in on the fun as well.
Introducing Baby Basics Moms Club
of Washington County
The Abingdon Moms Club has a new name and a new sibling! On February 25th, the newly formed Washington County Baby Basics Moms Club will begin offering club meetings at two locations in Washington County. We would like to welcome our new partners, Johnston Memorial Hospital offering meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Family Birth Center, and the Washington County Health Department which meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 1 to 2:30 pm.
Baby Basics Moms Club
Gets TV Coverage in Charlottesville
Our new Charlottesville Moms Club at Trinity Episcopal Church was the subject of a feature story by local affiliate NBC29, including an interview with Sharon Veith, one of the Moms Club facilitators. Sharon is a long-time advocate for improving pregnancy outcomes for the women of central Virginia. The club is funded through a community grant from March of Dimes and hosted by UVA Children's Hospital and Women's Health Center.
Baby Basics Moms Club
Has Arrived in Charlottesville
Baby Basics Moms Club is off to a great start thanks to the dedicated efforts of UVA Childrens Hospital/Neonatology and Womens Health Services staff and the generosity of the March of Dimes Virginia Chapter and our community partners. Community partners in health care, community supporters and members, along with some soon-to-be moms attended our Open House on January 27th. Guests enjoyed great snacks while learning more about the benefits of Moms Club from our talented staff. Everyone involved in this project is very excited about the new Moms Club and what it will mean to the community. Meetings start Monday, February 3rd, and a second Charlottesville Moms Club will be arriving soon.
We want to extend special thanks to Community partners Torri Ayers from Jefferson Area CHiP and JohnJason Cecil of Anthem Health Keepers Plus for their above and beyond assistance at the Open House. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Bryan Harris of the March of Dimes and their generosity of a community grant.
We want to extend special thanks to Community partners Torri Ayers from Jefferson Area CHiP and JohnJason Cecil of Anthem Health Keepers Plus for their above and beyond assistance at the Open House. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Bryan Harris of the March of Dimes and their generosity of a community grant.
Torri (L) talks with a community member about Baby Basics as they look over BBMC materials.
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JohnJason Cecil (L) and Bryan Harris (R) listen to participants' questions about Baby Basics.
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More Moms Clubs On The Way in 2014
Congratulations to our new March of Dimes Moms Club grant recipients! Joining the family of Virginia Moms Club sites will be
Chesterfield Health Dept in Chesterfield; University of Virginia in Charlottesville; and Centra in Lynchburg. Also joining us in 2014 will be Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville.
Chesterfield Health Dept in Chesterfield; University of Virginia in Charlottesville; and Centra in Lynchburg. Also joining us in 2014 will be Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville.
Milkapalooza: Community
Breastfeeding Celebration in Lynchburg
Lynchburg Moms Club celebrated World Breastfeeding Month at Centra's Milkapalooza. They were happy to also host some past participants and their adorable babies. It was an opportunity to reflect on the success they have achieved TOGETHER as a community!
Moms Club Program & Garden in Local News
Merry McKenna and Lisa Dolinger ready to work.
Photo credit: Carolyn R Wilson
for Washington County News
Lisa Dolinger, Abingdon Moms Club facilitator, and Merry McKenna, Before Baby Moms Club of Virginia Executive Director, were interviewed by Carolyn Wilson, a free lance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. R
EXCERPT: The club meetings are free of charge but offer an abundance of rewards for participants. “We invite moms from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” she (Dolinger) said. “It’s a great way for them to learn from each other, explore issues in a group setting and to make new friends.” Dolinger, a nurse at Johnston Memorial Hospital, is among trained health educators throughout the state who lead discussions and encourage participants to learn through personal interaction with other members.
“If the mother comes just one time, we hope she’ll take away something of value from the encounter with the group,” said Merry McKenna, state director of Before Baby Moms Club of Virginia. “There are no start and stop dates. Moms also come back after their pregnancies to share how their pregnancies went. It’s not like attending a traditional childbirth educational class because members are creating long-lasting friendships here,” she said. “They carpool together and check in on each other. There are such long-term benefits in addition to the educational component.”
EXCERPT: The club meetings are free of charge but offer an abundance of rewards for participants. “We invite moms from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” she (Dolinger) said. “It’s a great way for them to learn from each other, explore issues in a group setting and to make new friends.” Dolinger, a nurse at Johnston Memorial Hospital, is among trained health educators throughout the state who lead discussions and encourage participants to learn through personal interaction with other members.
“If the mother comes just one time, we hope she’ll take away something of value from the encounter with the group,” said Merry McKenna, state director of Before Baby Moms Club of Virginia. “There are no start and stop dates. Moms also come back after their pregnancies to share how their pregnancies went. It’s not like attending a traditional childbirth educational class because members are creating long-lasting friendships here,” she said. “They carpool together and check in on each other. There are such long-term benefits in addition to the educational component.”
Lynchburg Centra Moms Club in Spotlight
Ann Scott, Program Coordinator for Centra Before Baby Moms Club, is interviewed by ABC13WSET's Emily Robinson of LIVING IN THE HEART OF VIRGINIA about services they provide in Lynchburg and Farmville. Also featured is Sarafina Cooper, the new Community Outreach Specialist. Thank you Ann and Sarafina!
Abingdon Moms Club Kicks Off 2017 Garden
The garden has been plowed and the first tender plants and seeds are in the ground. Anyone who participates in planting or tending the garden may also participate in reaping the rewards later this season. We want to thank Frye and Associates Insurance for allowing us to use this space again.
We will host cooking demonstrations and have visits from gardening experts during the season. The Moms Club garden is open to all moms past and present, community partners, and supporters of the Moms Club. Come on out and join the fun! Don't forget sunscreen and gardening gloves!
We will host cooking demonstrations and have visits from gardening experts during the season. The Moms Club garden is open to all moms past and present, community partners, and supporters of the Moms Club. Come on out and join the fun! Don't forget sunscreen and gardening gloves!
Nutrition Day for Farmville Moms
On April 12, Farmville Moms Club got a hands-on look at foods that are not only nutritious, but that can also fit into their food budget. To illustrate the "Eat This, Not That" philosophy, the value of nutrition was emphasized in planning family meals. Fresh fruits, whole grain snacks, and alternates to soda were on hand for our moms to sample. It is possible to eat healthier on a budget!
Lynchburg Moms Club Reunion
and Walk for March of Dimes
April was a busy month for Lynchburg Moms Club. A combined reunion and walk for March of Dimes was held on April 8th. As always, it was a fun day of sharing for a great cause!
Hampton Moms Get Certificates
Hampton Moms Club awarded Certificates of Achievement to past moms at the latest reunion on March 14, 2017. Each mom was recognized by facilitator Meena Tamakloe for completing the Before Baby Moms Club of Virginia program. Well done!
Newport News Moms Club is Back!
March 16th: Club is meeting today!! Topic is "Getting ready to give birth". Please join us for group discussion, to make new friends, to find local resources. We'll meet at the Conference Room in Family Medicine from 4 to 5:30 pm. As usual, club is free and you don't need to pre-register. Partners, support teams, family members are welcome too!
Hampton Moms Club Goes Shopping
Hampton Baby Basics Moms Club held a grocery store tour on Decembver 6th hosted by Farm Fresh on Coliseum Drive in Hampton. We want to express our appreciation to the staff who assisted our moms in selecting healthy and nutritional choices while shopping on a budget.
Another Reunion for Hampton Moms Club
The Hampton Baby Basics Moms Club held a reunion with our past members and their adorable babies, along with our current moms, on November 15, 2016. It was such fun to see everyone again and enjoy an evening of great food and prizes.
First Reunion for Hampton Moms Club
The Hampton Baby Basics Moms Club held their first reunion on April 15th, 2016. Past moms brought their beautiful babies to meet us, plus current moms club participants as well. There was great food, prizes, and most of all, lots of fun catching up.
Hampton Club Receives 2016 Grant
arch of Dimes - Virginia Chapter presented a grant award to Hampton Baby Basics Moms Club on February 11, 2016. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to March of Dimes for their continuing support. Congratulations Hampton Moms Club!
Meena Tamakloe Accepts 2016 MOD Grant
Hampton Holds First Grocery Shopping Tour
The Hampton Baby Basics Moms Club held its first grocery store tour on November 24th. We want to express our sincere appreciation to Farm Fresh on Coliseum Drive for hosting our shopping tour. The tour was led by Jordan Armstrong, MPH in nutrition student intern with WIC. She provided many helpful tips and valuable information about making healthy nutritional choices while shopping on a budget.
Abingdon & Bristol Moms Club Harvest
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For the second year, our Moms Club Demonstration Garden produced a bountiful harvest of vegetables, fun, and education for all.
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Throughout the season, those tending the garden shared many types of veggies while receiving tips on preparing fresh dishes and growing their own gardens.
2015 Bristol/Abingdon Reunion on Sept. 28th
A touch of fall in the air signals that it is again time for our annual Moms Club Reunion on September 28th at 6:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at Bristol Regional Medical Center. We look forward each year to getting together with our many current and past Moms Club members, and to meet any little ones that have arrived. Family members are invited and there will be prizes, freebies, and food. For more info, call 276-698-4494. Also check our FB page!
Hampton Moms Club Arrives on September 22
Hampton Health Department is offering a new Baby Basics Moms Club, free and open to all pregnant women in Hampton. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at West Hampton Community Center, 1638 Briarfield Road. The group is funded by the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant and collaborates with the March of Dimes. Each Moms Club meeting is led by trained facilitators and focuses on health aspects of pregnancy, from nutrition to substance use, along with advice on child safety, postpartum blues, and support for breastfeeding.
Baby Basics Moms Club
Arrives in Richmond & Petersburg
We are very excited to announce two new locations for Baby Basics Moms Club through a collaborative effort by March of Dimes, VCU Institute for Women's Health, and Healthy Hearts Plus. Expectant moms in the Richmond and Petersburg areas can now benefit from attending Moms Club meetings facilitated by an extremely dedicated and experienced team. Click here for the Richmond & Petersburg page>>>
Bristol, Abingdon, Smyth
Moms Club Garden Kick-Off May 19th
The garden has been plowed, tilled and is ready to plant! Please join us at the garden spot at 5 p.m. and bring your favorite plants, seeds and garden tools. We will supply plenty of cold drinks and snacks. Anyone who participates in planting or tending the garden may also participate in reaping the rewards later this season. Your help is needed on the 19th and the days to follow as we keep our seedlings watered and tended. Our garden is across from Bristol DMV beside Frye and Associates Insurance. We will host cooking demonstrations and have visits from gardening experts during the season. The Moms Club garden is opened to all moms past and present, community partners and supporters of the Moms Club. Come on out and join the fun! Don't forget sunscreen and gardening gloves!
Women & Children's 2015 Expo
Bristol Regional Medical Center's New Life Birthing Center hosted their annual Women & Children's Expo on April 11th. Our Bristol Moms Club was there to provide information to expectant moms about how 'Before Baby' Moms Club can help throughout their pregnancy. Thanks to all who stopped by.
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Moms Club Featured in MJH Magazine
The Charlottesville MJH Starr Hill Moms Club was highlighted in Martha Jefferson Magazine, a quarterly publication of Martha Jefferson Hospital. Click to read the excerpt below:
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Bristol Moms 2014 Annual Reunion
This year's reunion event was held at Sugar Hollow Park on Sept. 22, 2014. It was bigger than ever with our three local Moms Clubs attending. There was great food, games, prizes and a photographer that took pictures of our moms and families. A very big thank you to our Moms Club funders and partners who joined us. We couldn't do it without your support!
Roanoke Moms Club Reunion
Roanoke Moms Club held their Second Annual Reunion on July 30th, 2014. It was an evening of fun, refreshments, and door prizes. We loved seeing our past moms and meeting their adorable new babies.
Charlottesville Moms Club
Whole Foods Shopping Event
The Charlottesville Club held the first shopping tour on Monday, June 23 for pregnant Moms Club members and guests. They were treated to dinner, received information about healthy shopping choices, how to read food labels, and samples during the tour. Thank you, Aubrey, for the wonderful and informational shopping tour. Thanks to the generosity of Whole Foods for co-sponsoring dinner and providing a free bag of groceries to the pregnant moms. Thanks also to a grant to the University of Virginia from the March of Dimes, co-sponsor of dinner and for providing gift cards for moms to shop. Thanks to all who participated!
WDBJ7 Reporter Goes Shopping with Roanoke Moms Club
Carilion Roanoke Moms Club and Kroger hosted another "Nutritious Shopping on a Budget" event on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. They were accompanied by WDBJ7-TV who did a wonderful feature story for their Hometown Health segment. The interview shows the importance of good nutrition, as well as the many benefits Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia has to offer expectant moms.
Bristol & Washington County Moms Clubs
at 2014 Women & Children's Expo
Southwest Virginia's Moms Clubs were well represented at Bristol Regional Medical Center's 2014 Women's & Children's Expo on May 3rd. We gave away some great prizes and enjoyed talking to expectant moms and family members about how Baby Basics Moms Club can help with their pregnancy. Linda (L) from Bristol Moms Club and Karen (R) from Washington County Moms Club were on hand to talk to visitors about resources available for moms & babies in the community.
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NRV Moms Club Visits Kroger
Baby Basics Moms Club of the New River Valley went on their second Kroger shopping tour April 28th, 2014. Suzanne Bryant, Registered Dietitian, discussed how to shop the perimeter of the grocery store for healthy options and shopping on a budget. Special thank you to the management and staff of South Main Street Kroger in Blacksburg for making our tour a wonderful success!
Bristol Moms Club Hosts
Car Seat Safety/Installation Demo
A free car seat safety check and installation demo was held Monday, March 24, 2014 at Toyota of Bristol at 5:45 p.m. Thanks to all our Moms and Dads who came to hear the information from the officers who are certified child safety passenger technicians.
Charlottesville Moms Clubs
Featured in CHiP Newsletter
Charlottesville's two new Baby Basics Moms Clubs were introduced as great resources for area women in the March 2014 newsletter of ParenTeen. ParenTeen is a program of Jefferson Area CHiP (Children's Health Improvement Program).
Abingdon Moms Club Goes Shopping
Food City played host to Abingdon Moms Club on September 17th for their first shopping tour. Moms received Food City Dollars and Moms Club staff acted as shopping coaches. Audrey Kessler, Food City's resident dietician led the group explaining what to look for and how to make smart nutritional choices.
Bristol Moms Club 2013 Reunion
The Bristol Moms Club held its fourth annual reunion on August 26th at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Special thanks to all our supporters for their contributions to making our reunion a special night.
Moms & guests receive reunion "goodie" bags.
Roanoke Kroger Tour
August 13th, 2013
Think grocery shopping can’t be fun? Do you find menu planning tedious and boring? Are nutrition labels confusing and frustrating? Come shopping with Roanoke Moms Club on August 13th and we will take the confusion out of preparing healthy meals on a budget!
Roanoke Moms Club
on WDBJ7-TV News
The Roanoke Moms Club is interviewed during a recent Moms Club Shopping Tour. Many thanks to Kroger and March of Dimes for their continued support of the Baby Basics Moms Club!
Abingdon Moms Club is Here!
The details have been finalized and our new Abingdon Baby Basics Moms Club is arriving May 7th for its first meeting! Club meetings will be on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at People, Inc., 1173 West Main Street (across from Alison's Restaurant). Tell any of your friends who might be expecting, or just bring them along. No sign up is needed... just show up for a fun and informative evening!
Roanoke Moms Club One Year Reunion
Roanoke's Baby Basics Moms Club Reunion was held April 9th, 2013. Our Moms and their guests were treated to healthy snacks, door prizes, and a fun evening of sharing with other new and expecting Moms. The highlight of the event was meeting those beautiful babies after of months of waiting for their arrival!
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Merry McKenna, BBMC Executive Director, gets help drawing a prize ticket. (Click to view larger)
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Baby Basics Moms Club sincerely thanks our community partners for their continued support in fulfilling our mission of healthier moms and babies in Southwest Virginia!
New River Valley Celebrates
First Year of Moms Club
The New River Valley Moms Club celebrated one year of success at their first reunion on April 30th, 2013. Just look at all those adorable babies and proud Moms! Click to go to the NRV page for more photos!
Click to view larger
New River Valley Moms Club
Goes Shopping at Kroger
Kroger in New River Valley hosted a wonderful shopping event for our expecting Moms and their families on March 26th, 2013. Each Mom was given a budget and information to help them make nutritious food choices to make meal planning easier and healthier. Our sincere thanks goes to Carilion Clinic NRV and March of Dimes for their continued support of NRV Moms Club! Click here to find more photos on the NRV page.
Club de mamás de Fundamentos de bebé
Baby Basics Moms Club of SW Virginia is excited to announce a due date of March 15, 2013 for our new Spanish Moms Club, Hola Bebé in Roanoke at Carilion OB Clinic. Meetings will be on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., and as always is absolutely free for our moms and their support guests. Their calendar can be found on the Roanoke page.
Bristol Moms Club Reunion
Photo Gallery
We want to thank Nikki Hicks, March of Dimes Community Director, for being our very skilled photographer and providing beautiful memories of a fun-filled evening.
Tanglewood Kroger Hosted Roanoke Moms
Our sincerest thanks once more to Tanglewood Kroger, 4488 Electric Rd, for hosting a second shopping event for our Moms on November 14th, 2012. Your support is so appreciated by everyone associated with Baby Basics Moms Club of SW Virginia!
Food City Shopping Event
Teaches Healthy Choices
On September 24th, 2012, our Bristol Baby Basics Moms Club sent seven expectant Moms on a Food City shopping mission with a menu in hand. The challenge was to make healthy grocery choices while staying within a set budget. Our Moms, and some Dads who came to help out, were coached by an expert team of Moms Club helpers. You can watch a video of their Food City adventure here.
