Hello, Healthy Starters! Happy August and welcome to our latest newsletter edition!  

August is home to National Breastfeeding Month, this year with a theme, of closing the gap: breastfeeding support for all. We invite you to join us in celebrating National Breastfeeding Month and honoring the dedication of moms and families to helping their babies to thrive.  

In other exciting news, we recently held our second annual Doula Appreciation brunch, a heartwarming gathering where we celebrated the incredible milestones achieved since the inception of our doula program since its launch in May 2022. We are proud to share that we have supported nearly 140 clients to date! During the brunch, we had the honor of recognizing three outstanding doulas for their exceptional contributions. Keep reading to find out who these recipients were!  

We have lots of exciting events coming up including:  

• Donuts with Dads 

• Dancing with the Martin Stars  

• The Maternal Mental Health Summit 

• Mom and Partner Group 

Find all the dates, details and registration information below. We look forward to seeing you at these fantastic events! 

Lastly, don't forget to visit our Prenatal Outreach Center on a Monday or Thursday to pick up your monthly diapers!  

Warm regards, 

Samantha Suffich and the Healthy Start staff 

August is National Breastfeeding Month  

August 1 to August 7 is National Breastfeeding Week! As we recognize National Breastfeeding Week, let's come together to celebrate the incredible journey of breastfeeding and its vital role in nurturing healthy families. This annual observance shines a spotlight on the countless benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, including improved health outcomes, stronger bonding, and economic advantages. 

This year's theme emphasizes support for all and education, recognizing that a well-informed and supported breastfeeding experience can make all the difference. We encourage everyone to engage in conversations, share resources, and support local breastfeeding initiatives. By fostering an inclusive and informed community, we can help ensure that all families have the support they need to thrive. 

Join us in celebrating the strength, dedication, and love that breastfeeding represents. Together, we can empower families and promote a healthier future. 

Hillary Cruz, Lucy Collazo, and Michelle Jackson

Michelle Jackson and Lucy Collazo

Lucy Collazo and Michelle Jackson

On July 10th, we celebrated our second annual doula appreciation brunch, and it was a fantastic success! The event was a heartwarming morning of community and reflection, where we took the time to celebrate the remarkable milestones we’ve achieved together since our doula program began in May 2022. We’re proud to have served nearly 140 clients, offering essential support and nurturing to families across Martin County.  

At the brunch, we were thrilled to honor three of our exceptional doulas for their outstanding contributions: 

Most Births Under Healthy Start: Awarded to Lucy Collazo who has supported the highest number of births within our program. 

Most Likely to Succeed: Celebrating Michelle Jackson whose dedication and potential have shone brightly. 

Advocacy Award: Recognizing Hillary Cruz who has shown exceptional commitment to advocating for the needs and rights of our families. 

In addition to these celebrations, we’re excited to share that two of our bilingual Spanish-speaking doulas, Lucy Collazo and Michelle Jackson, were invited to participate in a Spinning Babies training hosted by the Indian River Healthy Start Coalition. This advanced training provides them with innovative techniques to support optimal fetal positioning and ensure smoother labor experiences, enhancing the care we deliver to our clients. 

The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative and The City of Stuart Community Services Recreation Division invite you to celebrate a morning honoring dads and father figures alike. Join us for a special morning and treat yourself to delicious donuts coffee, games and more! Please RSVP so we know you are attending and make sure you register yourself and your child(ren) here. For more information, please call 772-288-5340. 

Date: Friday, September 6, 2024

Time: 11AM - 12:30PM

Location: Children's Services Council Conference Room, 101 SE Central Parkway, Stuart, FL 34994

Maternal mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 mothers and affect over 800,000 women and their families each year. According to the American Hospital Association, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most significant complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnant and parenting adolescents are particularly vulnerable to depressive symptoms.

Join us as we discuss strategies for our community to collaborate in addressing maternal mental health challenges and enhancing overall well-being for mothers. 

Register here to be a part of this important conversation.  

Join us Saturday, August 31st at 11AM for the mom AND partners group! There will be raffle items, including a Walmart Gift Card!

Please be sure to register here so we can save you a seat and a snack!

Important Update: New Lunch Hours for the Prenatal Outreach Center 

Beginning in September, please note that the Diaper Pantry at the Prenatal Outreach Center will be closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on operating days, which are Mondays and Thursdays. 

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to continuing to serve you.