This is an especially challenging time to be pregnant in NYC, given health concerns and evolving policies around COVID 19. Connect with fellow moms-to-be and hear from Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, an experienced OB/GYN with NYU, about what to expect. She’s been on the front lines during this pandemic and will give a short talk, followed by a Q&A, so you can ask whatever questions are on your mind.
This is a free event, but RSVPs are required by 7pm on the day of the talk. I’ll send out an email to everyone who signs up ahead of time with instructions for joining via Zoom from your computer, tablet or phone.
I am also happy to share a wonderful cause that Dr. Shirazian founded called Saving Mothers, which has shifted its efforts to support the local community in need during the pandemic. Please see below for more information and how you can help.
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Saving Mothers COVID-19 Response
As we have all witnessed over these past few weeks, pandemics can be unpredictable and can have devastating consequences on the health and economic well-being of countries around the world. In the United States, the impact of the pandemic has been tragically magnified in pregnant women.
In New York City, the epicenter of COVID-19, the virus has disrupted pregnancy plans, raised anxiety and separated expectant mothers by socioeconomic status. Those who can afford to flee New York City have done so fearing the perceived consequences of giving birth in a New York City hospital, while others have only been pushed further into poverty with limited access to supplies and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Saving Mothers is acutely aware of these setbacks through our local mPOWHER program and we are taking a number of steps to ensure low-resourced pregnant women have the nutrition and basic needs all expectant mothers deserve.
What have we done?
We are shining light on this issue via the New York Times and will continue to advocate.
We have partnered closely with the Northern Manhattan Perinatal Program – a 24-year-old organization and national Maternal Child Health Leader– to deliver critical health and social services to these communities.
We have personally purchased and delivered groceries to 5 of the most vulnerable families in our mPOWHER community.
We have identified 4 key requests from all families and will be working tirelessly to deliver them. These are: formula, baby / sanitary wipes, diapers and food.
How can you help?
We are very excited to announce an anonymous donor will match every dollar you donate up to $10,000 through the end of April.
Let’s make your donation count! Please consider making a donation to Saving Mothers for women who cannot access the local food pantries and have limited resources left for the rest of the month in their WIC support to pay for groceries and basic needs.
In-Kind donations: expectant mothers are running dangerously low on nutrition and basic essentials to sanitize the house. They face not only financial challenges, but often live with small children who cannot be left alone while they run to the store for needs. We are vetting volunteers to shop for and deliver groceries to the most vulnerable families.
