As an expectant or new mom, we know you want the best for your baby. But this joyous time can also feel overwhelming — particularly if you face a substance-use problem. You may not know where to go or whom to ask for help.
We understand, and we’re here to help, says Kellie Bishop, Baby Steps Program clinical nurse liaison. The St. Elizabeth Baby Steps Program specializes in working with pregnant and new moms with substance-use challenges by providing support, resources and education to enhance the health of mother and baby. Our goal is to offer assistance and guidance for better health and well-being for the mom, baby and family while in the hospital and when home.
We also understand taking the time to seek help can be difficult, so we offer support by connecting you to many different community partners, like our collaboration with the nonprofit Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank Program.
What Does Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank Do?
Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank partners with local social service agencies, government agencies (like schools) and hospitals to provide free diapers to low-income families that qualify while raising awareness of the basic health need for diapers. Sweet Cheeks’ vision is to eliminate the existence of diaper need in our community so that ALL babies have a chance to be healthy, happy, and safe.
Each baby uses an average of six diapers a day — newborns usually need more than twice that. This can be financially overwhelming, especially to low-income families. Sweet Cheeks does not distribute diapers directly to families but works with organizations that are already well established in the community and are currently working with families in need. This way, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank ensures that the diapers collected are distributed to families in the most efficient and timely manner.
The St. Elizabeth Baby Steps Program is one such partnering program in the area that assists in distributing diapers to qualifying families in need.
With the help of partner organizations and volunteers like the St. Elizabeth Baby Steps Program, Sweet Cheeks serves more than 4,000 families a month. St. Elizabeth is proud to be part of this effort to assist parents in the communities we serve. No one should have to worry about providing their baby with clean diapers.
Interested in getting involved? You can:
- Make a tax-deductible donation.
- Become a Sweet Cheeks volunteer.
- Donate diapers.
Baby Steps: Your One-Stop-Shop for Support
Caring for your baby while working on substance-use recovery isn’t easy. The St. Elizabeth Baby Steps Program team will work closely with you to develop a trusting relationship and help with:
- Finding treatment, resources and support groups.
- Information about being healthy for you and your baby.
- Inpatient treatment to start medication-assisted treatment for pregnant women greater than 24 weeks in pregnancy and supporting outpatient treatment programs as well.
- Establishing and continuing OB care.
- 12-step meetings for pregnant/parenting women in medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- Education to better understand the risks of newborn withdrawal and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
- Supporting you, and your family, to care for your baby while in the hospital and when you go home
How To Get Started with Baby Steps
Baby Steps is available for pregnant and parenting moms who have a child under age 2 and are seeking substance-use recovery assistance.
“Baby Steps offers a fully functioning outpatient program that offers all levels of support,” says Kellie. “This can range from weekly meetings with our peer support team to full medication assisted treatment.” We work with moms who need support where they are, even out in community treatment centers and sober living facilities. One of our community partners, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, can assess forhelp with diapers
You don’t need a referral to participate in the St. Elizabeth Baby Steps Program. “We’re here to support pregnant and parenting moms that used substances during their pregnancy and to assist them to connect to resources to better support themselves and their babies,” Kellie adds.
Schedule an appointment to take the first step toward better health and well-being — for you, your baby and your family.
Call Us Today: (859) 301-2501
