Parent Connection reaches 10 years

Ten years ago, some folks in our Obstetrics Department had the idea of creating a group of experienced mothers who could be mentors to new mothers. With some encouragement and support from the Jewish Family and Children's Service, the Parent Connection was born.

Over the next ten years, over 300 volunteers were trained to be mentoring moms as part of the only hospital-based program of its kind in the Boston area. The program pairs veteran mothers with first-timers who give birth at BIDMC for weekly telephone support and advice during the baby's first three months of life. In addition the program has five support groups for any mothers (not just BIDMC patients) who cover a variety of typical infant care issues to surviving as a working parent to raising kids in a gay or lesbian household. The gay and lesbian group meets in Jamaica Plain, the working mothers group meets in Dedham, and the general support groups meet in Lexington, Needham, and Chestnut Hill.

Congratulations to all who have been involved in this lovely program.