PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 11, 2017) — Baby showers are special days, when friends and family gather to share the joy of the expectant mother and to celebrate the imminent arrival of a new life. On Wednesday, May 10th, 2017, CODAC Providence hosted a very special baby shower. Thirteen pregnant women, all of whom are being treated at CODAC for opioid dependence, gathered to meet with representatives of community programs, and to receive information about and access to resources available to them pre- and post-delivery.
Sponsored by CODAC, the RI Department of Health’s Office of Family Visiting, and The Providence Center, the event provided an opportunity for outreach from providers of community services that are available, but not always obvious, to the women who need them. Utilization of these resources may also be impacted by the influence of real and/or perceived stigma, a barrier that affects the MAT population, and pregnant women in MAT, in particular. Maternal health is an important factor in the health of the newborn. This event honored the courage and commitment of the women who participated in this program.
Perhaps most importantly, the women who attended had an opportunity to celebrate with other expectant mothers facing many of the same challenges. Surrounded by shower decorations and healthy food, every participant was given a new diaper bag filled with supplies for care of a newborn. Wednesday’s shower provided a wonderful opportunity to share information, resources and encouragement—and to have a good time doing it!
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