Supporting Families in Davidson County
When you’re pregnant or have a newborn, it can be a time of both excitement and stress. Many parents find themselves unsure where to turn for help, especially if they don’t have a strong support system. In Nashville, the Nashville Strong Babies program is stepping in to provide crucial assistance to expecting and new parents, offering a wide range of resources at no cost.
Bailey Laird, who was pregnant with her second child, realized she needed additional support. “Because I don’t have a village. We don’t have a village, so just any type of support I could get,” she shared. That support came in the form of the Nashville Strong Babies program, which provides families with essential items like playpens, car seats, and access to a birth doula.
The program, funded by the federal government, began in 2019 in response to higher infant mortality rates in certain areas of Nashville. Initially, it focused on those specific regions, but one year ago, it expanded to cover the entire Davidson County. The goal is to ensure that all families, regardless of their income or education level, receive the support they need during this critical time.
“Our program is for all families in Davidson County, and no matter your income level, education level, we all need support at this time,” said Program Manager Angela Williams.
Over the past year, the program has served 516 families, and importantly, there have been zero cases of infant or maternal mortality among those served. This success highlights the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support for new parents.
Each year, the program receives approximately $1 million from the federal government. So far this budget year, about half of that funding has been allocated, with the expectation that the remaining half will be available when the federal budget takes effect in October. However, concerns remain about the long-term reliability of federal funding.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the reality that Nashville Strong Babies is still largely dependent on the 145 million-dollar federal healthy start appropriation, and that questions still linger about the reliability of federal funding moving forward,” said D’Yuanna Allen-Robb with Metro Public Health.
Despite these concerns, the program continues to encourage anyone in Davidson County who is expecting a child or has a baby under 18 months to participate. The initiative is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
For those interested, joining is straightforward. All that’s required is residency in Davidson County and being either pregnant or having a child under 18 months. As Laird put it, “I’m like ‘Hey, go to Nashville Strong Babies and they will get you all together, honey.’”
Key Resources Provided by the Program
- Playpens: Essential for safe sleep environments for newborns
- Car Seats: Ensuring safe transportation for infants
- Birth Doulas: Offering emotional and physical support during pregnancy and labor
- Educational Workshops: Providing information on parenting, health, and development
- Connecting Families with Services: Linking parents to healthcare providers, nutrition programs, and more
How the Program Works
The Nashville Strong Babies program operates through a network of community partners and local organizations. These groups help identify families in need and connect them with the necessary resources. Participants are often referred by healthcare providers, social workers, or other community members who recognize the need for support.
The program also emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community for new parents. By creating a sense of belonging and shared experience, the initiative helps reduce feelings of isolation and stress.
Looking Ahead
While the program has made significant strides in improving outcomes for families in Davidson County, challenges remain. Continued investment and stable funding are essential to maintaining and expanding these efforts. Community support and advocacy also play a vital role in ensuring that the program can continue to serve those in need.
As the program moves forward, its focus remains on providing comprehensive, compassionate care to every family it serves. Through collaboration, education, and resource-sharing, Nashville Strong Babies is making a meaningful difference in the lives of new parents and their children.
