Mom, Dad, and Big Sister Love

Jenalys, a first-time mom to one-month-old baby Malique found support and confidence through Healthy Start’s Beds 4 Babies program.    Like many new parents, Jenalys knew the basics such as baby sleeps on their back and no bed sharing, but she didn’t understand the why behind these practices or how to resist the temptation to […]

Victoria, a nervous first-time Spanish-speaking mother, found invaluable support when she was connected with a bilingual Healthy Start Doula. The language barrier had been one of Victoria’s biggest concern about childbirth, worrying she wouldn’t be able to communicate effectively with medical staff during labor. The Healthy Start Doula quickly put those fears to rest, helping Victoria create […]

“This is my first baby and I am trying to learn as much as I can.  I learned today that my baby is safest sleeping without anything in the bed until she turns one year old.  It is sad to know that we have babies suffocate with their own baby blankets. I plan to breastfeed […]

“I participated in the Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas Beds 4 Babies Project during my first pregnancy.  Now he is 2 years old.  Today I was reminded about the importance of the ABC’s of safe sleep and learned about the esophagus and trachea orientation to understand why my baby is always safest on his back.” […]

“I learned several things today. My baby is to sleep alone. They like to sleep alone. If she has a runny nose I will not prop her on a pillow. I am going to breastfeed and if I do it in bed, I will take precautions so I don’t fall asleep while feeding.” S.O.G.

Martha volunteered her time to the Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas along with Heritage Quilters and her 3 daughters Jean, Mary Ann, and Nancy. For the past decade, more than 1,000 quilts were donated to the families served by Healthy Start. Martha’s “tummy time” quilts have been an essential piece of the Healthy Start Coalition […]

“I cannot imagine how challenging my journey into motherhood would have been without Healthy Start Pinellas. Our family is incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support group. Who knew that by signing up for a program at the health department without knowing much about it, would turn into such a positive experience.”  

“I would like to thank Maria and the Healthy Start Coalition for being there when my family has been in need. From my daughter’s birth, through her stay in the NICU to seeing her come home, pass examinations and be the average 8 month old without complications and learning to crawl. The support we have […]

Michelle and her husband were expectant parents referred to our Doula services by their midwife at 31 weeks pregnant. Both parents had many concerns and questions regarding this pregnancy. Our Doula, Mari, addressed their concerns and fears and provided support, education and linkages during and after the pregnancy.   During visits, Mari provided nutritional and childbirth […]