[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Smiles, joy and babies were in abundance on Monday as Fair Haven’s prenatal program participants were celebrated in a first-ever community baby shower. Incorporating our Midwifery, Nurturing Families Network, Healthy Start, and Read to Grow programs, we partnered with United Way of Greater New Haven and The Diaper Bank to host a wonderful event at our 50 Grand location that celebrated Fair Haven families on their pre and post-natal journeys.

Our commitment to offering excellent prenatal and parenting programs and improving birth outcomes despite health disparities that exist within the community were evident around the room. The event not only provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate our patients, but for patients to express their thanks to their Fair Haven child birth and parenting partners. “The Fair Haven Clinic has been very supportive and helpful with this being my first child,” said one mother. “They have showed (me) a lot of guidance on what to expect and ow to get through my pregnancy.” Another mother’s gratitude was captured in this delightful video produced by United Way.

For Ellen Wormser, CNM, Midwifery Department Chair, it was a chance to both reflect and look forward. “For 20+ years of Group Prenatal Care, we have enjoyed increased empowerment of women, improved family attachments, and a low cesarean section rate,” she said. “We credit this success to being able to provide care, via a true midwifery model – being ‘with woman,’ at every phase of pregnancy and birth. Our evidenced-based and early intervention programs are offered to all FHCHC prenatal families. Being able to support increased parenting skills, positive parent child interactions, improved child-wellbeing, and connections to community resources as part of our person-centered approach makes such a difference to the health of the children and their families.”

Dr. Sue Lagarde spoke for all of Fair Haven’s organizers when she added, “We are so grateful to United Way and their generous partners for helping our newest Fair Haven members and their parents get started on the right foot. Ready access to baby and parent necessities allows families to focus on bonding, nurturing and developmental milestones – key components of healthy child development. We are excited that this Community Shower permits more families to celebrate and feel prepared for their baby’s arrival.”

More coverage of the event can be found here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]