Vice President Kamala Harris in front of some of the Baby2Baby Newborn Supply Kits during the announcement of the program. Courtesy/FBPLA

Some of the items included in the Baby2Baby Newborn Supply Kits. Courtesy/FBPLA

FBPLA News:

First Born Program of Los Alamos (FBPLA) announces participation in a collaboration with Baby2Baby and the Department of Health and Human Services.

First Born Home Visitors are distributing newborn kits from Baby2Baby to families in the Los Alamos program. 3 weeks later, families are asked to complete a survey (not a requirement of the pilot but greatly appreciated) that will look at maternal mental health and support of the federal government.

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the non-profit organization Baby2Baby announced a new pilot program to distribute a one-time only Newborn Supply Kit made up of essential goods and critical maternal health items to new parents and their infants.  

“The Newborn Supply Kits consist of more than 20 items including diapers and wipes, clothing, hygiene items, blankets and thermometers for newborns and postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, breastfeeding supplies and a baby carrier. HHS and Baby2Baby will first distribute 3,000 of the Newborn Supply Kits across Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico.” During the announcement of the program, Vice President Kamala Harris noted, “Every mother or mother-to-be should have access to the support they need for their family to be healthy. Through this partnership, our Administration continues to prioritize the maternal health of women across America.”

So far in New Mexico, these kits are being distributed through UNM hospitals and now FBPLA. Any parent giving birth during pilot implementation while in the home visiting program will be eligible to receive a kit.

HHS also launched a new website, that includes information across all Federal agencies for families on health, feeding, sleeping, child development and programmatic information.

About First-Born Program of Los Alamos:

The First-Born Program of Los Alamos is a free and voluntary home visiting program for all families in Los Alamos, prenatal through age 5. The program is relationship‐centered and curriculum‐based. Families who participate receive support, information about pregnancy, early childhood development, health, nutrition and safety and learn fun activities to help build brain development and learning. Through weekly home visits, families identify personal goals, recognize challenges and opportunities for growth and build a healthy, loving, playful relationship with their child. The program is funded through New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, the Delle Foundation, and local donors.  For more information, visit www.firstbornla.org or email welcome@firstbornla.org.

To view more information about the HHS and Baby2Baby Program, visit this link.