The events of 2020 were marked with uncertainty and isolation, and the challenging environment even creeped into the typically joyous occasion of welcoming a newborn to the family. Along with the usual changes and often nervous anticipation that come with pregnancy, the pandemic made it even more difficult for those who need assistance to connect with important medical, financial and emotional support. Since 1991, Nurses For Newborns (NFN) has worked to meet the needs of local families through in-home nurse visits, health care assistance, parent education and training, and other resources. Its mission is to ensure parents feel supported so every child can reach their first birthday and beyond healthy and thriving.
The main stressors of the pandemic like job loss, housing insecurity and increased isolation have made NFN’s services even more crucial, notes CEO Melinda Monroe. Many of the normal sources of emotional and community support have been unavailable due to lockdown and social distancing. “During the first year of a child’s life, you set the trajectory of their health into the future,” she says. “We connect with families, answer their questions and provide valuable information, but we also act as another person who cares and is cheering them on as they do this very difficult task of raising a child in a pandemic.”
While in-home visits have been disrupted, NFN has pivoted to offering telehealth appointments and using other virtual methods to provide services. Through grants, the nonprofit has been able to provide technology to families who may not have access to the internet. “We’ve distributed smartphones and other devices like digital infant scales,” Monroe says. The organization’s nurses use the technology to assess and weigh infants without being physically present.
NFN continues to make resources available to the community by providing baby supplies through contactless deliveries and partnering with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. It also works with St. Louis Area Foodbank to address food insecurity concerns created by the pandemic. “We have been holding distribution days with fresh produce for local families,” Monroe says. “We do all of this with an eye on keeping babies alive and well. We want families to feel confident in caring for a child.”
Even during an exceptionally challenging year, NFN has continued to grow and innovate. In November, it moved into new headquarters at 3 Sunnen Drive in Maplewood. “We had outgrown our previous location, and we were given the chance to move into this building, which was custom renovated for us,” Monroe notes. “All kinds of people volunteered to get the building ready and help us move. It was a community effort for sure. We’re looking forward to the day when we can celebrate with everyone.”
Community support is crucial to NFN’s mission. This year, it’s holding its annual A Night for Newborns fundraiser virtually March 6. The evening will include a program, silent auction, raffle and fund-a-need. KSDK’s Abby Llorico will serve as emcee along with NFN board chair Kelly Ferrara. “We also are paying tribute to every member of our home visit staff,” Monroe says. “Usually, we pick one nurse to recognize, but everyone has been working so unbelievably hard that we couldn’t choose. We want to continue to celebrate the work we do and the importance of our mission.”
Nurses for Newborns schedules in-home nurse and community health worker visits, now offered virtually, to offer families a safety net to prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect. Its annual A Night For Newborns fundraising event will be held virtually March 6. Pictured on the cover: Jessie Weiss, Abby Llorico, Genie Mueller, Kelly Ferrara. For more information, call 314.544.3433 or visit nursesfornewborns.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: NFN board chair Kelly Ferrara and president Melinda Monroe
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography