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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 'Before Baby' Moms Clubs across our service area. We focus on six core topics that are vital to healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The is no cost to attend and everyone receives a free take-home materials that will help track through each month of pregnancy. Dads or support partners are always invited to attend with our moms-to-be. The Before Baby Program's initiatives and goals are aimed at improving pregnancies through personal interaction, education, and community. We hope you will join us at a meeting soon.
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Our sincere thanks to the March of Dimes--Virginia Chapter for their continued support of our mission to promote healthy pregnancies.
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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. Click here to see more reunion photos>>>
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>>>
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. Click here to view their calendar for dates and topics>>>
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Thanks to all our moms-to-be, guests, and sponsors who supported Moms Club this past year. The 'Before Baby' Moms Club of Virginia staff wishes all of you a very happy holiday season and we look forward to continued growth and success in the coming year!
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! Read more and see photos of our garden goodies here>>>
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>>>
2014 HIGH HEELS for HIGH HOPES
Karen Davis of our Washington County Moms Club is putting on her stilettos to raise money for a cause near to her heart--promoting healthy pregnancy and prevention of preterm delivery. She is a participant and model in the March of Dimes HIGH HEELS for HIGH HOPES campaign, competing for the 2014 Stiletto Award.
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. Read more in this feature article from the local Newport News Daily Press.
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. Read more in this feature article from the local Newport News Daily Press.
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, then integrating them into their daily diet. This is a garden to demonstrate the various steps and let 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.
To learn more about sharing in the Moms Club Demonstration Garden please call 276-644-0501 or email merry@bbmomsclub.com. Be sure to drive by and take a peek. 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. You can’t miss it! Just look for the pregnant lady in the garden.
To learn more about sharing in the Moms Club Demonstration Garden please call 276-644-0501 or email merry@bbmomsclub.com. Be sure to drive by and take a peek. 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. You can’t miss it! Just look for the pregnant lady in the garden.
Moms Club Virginia Model Facilitator Training
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.
Baby Basics Moms Club Joins in 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 Welcomes 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.
To learn more about Virginia Premier Health Plan visit their website at www.vapremier.com.
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. To learn more about INTotal Health visit their website at www.intotalhealth.org.
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. To learn more about INTotal Health visit their website at www.intotalhealth.org.
Martha Jefferson Baby Basics Moms Club
Featured on NBC29 in Charlottesville
The recently launched Baby Basics Moms Club at Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Health Center was the subject of a feature story by Charlottesville affiliate NBC29. Jackie Martin, Director of Community Outreach, explains how their Moms Club is helping to educate and bring moms–to–be together for information, support, and fun. As always, attending Moms Club is free and no registration is required. Our expectant moms are encouraged to bring along their care partners (Dads, parents, friends). Click here to watch the video. For more information about meeting dates, times and topics, visit the Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Moms Club page.
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. Read the full article here>>>
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. Read the full article here>>>
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. Click here for more information on meetings times and topics.
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. Click here to watch the video and read the story.
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. Click here for more photos.
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.
Virginia Nurse of the Year Finalists
Bristol Moms Club facilitator, Kelly Jo Sexton, is a March of Dimes Virginia Nurse of the Year finalist. Kelly Jo is a nurse at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Lydia Landis (Southwest Care Connection for Children-Bristol VA), a strong supporter of Baby Basics Moms Club, is also a finalist. Over 470 nurses were nominated across Virginia by patients, friends, co-workers, and other health professionals from which 95 finalists were chosen in 20 categories. The awards honor excellence in nursing care and pay tribute to the men and women who work for positive changes within the healthcare community. Award recipients in each category will be announced on November 9th at a gala event in Richmond. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and we are especially proud of Kelly Jo and Lydia! Baby Basics Moms Club is extremely fortunate to have these talented and caring nurses on our BBMC Team!.
Capturing March of Dimes History
in Southwest Virginia
Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia partnered with the Wolf Hills Quilters to offer a March of Dimes 75th Anniversary Quilt for the Signature Chef’s Auction on October 29, 2013 in Abingdon. The windowpane quilt features past and present auction participants and other local and historic sites in Southwest Virginia, including
The
Peppermill, Martha Washington Inn, The Tavern, Food City, Burger Bar, and Baby Cakes (formerly Starving Artist).
Nikki shows a sample with 3 windowpanes.
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The completed quilt is beautiful!
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Our First Baby Basics Moms Club
Informational Conference Sept 2013
In response to the many inquiries received regarding the success of our Baby Basics Moms Club in Southwest Virginia, the March of Dimes-Virginia Chapter held a two-day informational conference for those interested in hosting, implementing, or replicating our Moms Club model. The conference was held in Lynchburg September 3-4, 2013, and was well attended. Our thanks to everyone who contributed to making our conference a success!
Abingdon/Bristol Moms Can Join
Food City's Baby Club
Did you know Food City has its own Baby Club? Sign-up is free to receive special discounts and savings for Moms and babies. Click on the Food City Baby Club image to register!
Emergencies Happen - Would you be ready?
You're pregnant, or new parents... and a weather emergency or natural disaster strikes. Do you know what you should do to protect yourself, your baby, or your family? March of Dimes has published important safety and medical tips here: Don’t Get Caught Unprepared For An Emergency>>>
The What To Expect Foundation
Launches Newly Updated Website
For the past several weeks, The What To Expect Foundation has been working on a new delivery... a revamped website that will expand their efforts and mission to educate and empower moms so they can expect healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries and healthier, happier babies. Visit their new website for more information on their goals and programs. The Baby Basics Program is a big part of that effort and we are very happy to be able to bring it to our Moms Clubs.
75 Pounds of Dimes in 75 Days!
Baby Basics Moms Club gets some "heavy" fundraising assistance from Sara Long, March of Dimes State Program Director. Saba and Ashley with the Program Service Committee got in on the fun, too. BBMC sends our sincerest thanks to these fantastic women!
Sara Long (click to enlarge)
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Saba & Ashley (click to enlarge)
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Virginia Delegate Jennifer McClellan
and The What to Expect Foundation
Delegate McClellan of Richmond represents the 71st District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She is pictured here holding a copy of The What To Expect Foundation's Baby Basics, the centerpiece for Baby Basics Moms Clubs of Virginia.
L-R: The What to Expect Foundation's Jeanne McMahon, National Program Director and Lisa Bernstein, Executive Director; Delegate Jennifer McClellan; and Merry McKenna, State Project Consultant for Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia.
March of Dimes 75th Anniversary
Recognized by Virginia Assembly
The long-standing efforts of the March of Dimes was recognized by the Virginia Assembly on January 15th. Delegate Kenneth R. Plum of Fairfax spoke about the positive impact March of Dimes has had on the health of babies over their 75-year history which began in 1938 with a campaign to help eliminate polio. March of Dimes has been instrumental in education, research, vaccines, and reducing premature births. This introduction was delivered to the Virginia Senate by Senator Ralph Northam of Norfolk.
Baby Basics Moms Club
Coming to Abingdon
We are very excited to announce our fifth Moms Club in SW Virginia! Details are being finalized and the meeting location will be posted here and on a new Abingdon page very soon! In addition to Abingdon area expectant Moms, we hope to see participation from Smyth and Russell counties. Help us spread the word by sharing this news with your friends!
Karen Thompson (left) from Abingdon attended the recent Baby Basics Facilitator training in New York City.
Sec. of State Hillary Clinton Announces
Global Women's Health Innovation Program to include Baby Basics
The What To Expect Foundation announced the week of June 27th that it is taking their Baby Basics Program around the world to reach a global community. The announcement was first made on June 14th, 2012 by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Child Survival Forum at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. "And finally, we are launching the Women’s Health Innovation program, a partnership with the What to Expect Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that will provide expecting mothers with pregnancy information, education, and social support." Read the complete transcript of Secretary Clinton's remarks here.
Car Seat Safety Tips From An Expert
Party Celebrated
Moms, Babies, & Movie!
Moms, Babies, & Movie!
Baby Basics Moms Club Bristol hosted a "Premiere Party" for their moms-to-be and past Moms Club participants. The party was inspired by the new movie What To Expect When You're Expecting. You can view photos here, or go to our Facebook page to download your favorites.
PARTY TIME in Bristol!
Monday, May 21st, 2012
Join us for a special Moms Club Premiere Party at Bristol's Tinsel Town Theater (Exit 7) followed by a 5:00 p.m. showing of What to Expect When You're Expecting. The first 40 pregnant women to RSVP will get free admission to the movie, PLUS ALL pregnant women that attend will be treated to a free VIP Room Party with "swag bags" for our moms-to-be!
