Page 4 - Palm City Spotlight - July '22

Page 4, Palm City Spotlight

MEdical MattErs

Local Women Train To Be “Doulas do more than

Doulas Through Healthy Start whisper a gentle reminder
that you are doing well,
Coalition remind you to breathe, and
rub your back,” said Anglica
Twelve local women have completed training through Fereshetian, one of the
the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition to become Healthy Start doulas and a
community-based doulas. childbirth educator. “Doulas
A doula is a trained nonmedical assistant who provides remind their pregnant clients
physical, emotional and informational support to a mother that they are superheroes!
before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The doula training When I see new families
program is designed to serve low-income, high-risk women become the strongest and
throughout their pregnancy and the birth process to improve most confident versions of
pregnancy, maternal and infant health outcomes. themselves through support,
“Doulas can make an enormous difference to mothers education, and the bringing
and babies, particularly for women who may not have other forth of a new life, I am Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s class of doulas: Front row: Gabbi Nahass, Ashlynn
support available to them,” says Martin County Healthy rewarded with the knowing Parrotta, Doula Trainer Darlean Thomas, Lucy Collazo, Tonya Brown, and Doula Program
Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich. “Because a doula is that this family has their own Coodinator Margo Keane. Back row: AnnMarie Dearman, Andrea Wallace, Sarah Mahoney,
a member of the community, she can form a strong bond with superhero story.” Caroline Van Dyke, Jazmyne Thompson, Miranda Alexander, Alma Bailey, and Hillary Cruz
the mother in the weeks leading up to giving birth, making A second Doula Training
sure the expectant mother has everything she needs and is Course will be offered later this summer. Community car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and
doing the right thing for herself and her baby. A doula then members who want to participate in the training or receive access to other community partner agencies through the
stays with the mother through labor and is available during doula services can contact Community Doula Program Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno
the crucial time after birth to help a mom with breast feeding Coordinator Margo Keane at mkeane@mchealthystart.org, Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin
and successful bonding with her baby.” (772) 463-2888, Ext. 145. County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more
The doula training program is funded through the About Martin County Healthy Start involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers
Lichtenberger Family Charitable Fund and Ranieri Family Martin County Healthy Start is a nonprofit organization who are separated from their children.
Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation Martin – dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition
St. Lucie along with the Children’s Services Council of provides educational and health services to pregnant women, are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.
Martin County. new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly For more information about Martin County Healthy
National studies show the techniques used by doulas expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care. Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.
have a positive effect on the whole family and lead to better Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects mchealthystart.org, call (772) 463-2888 or follow the
birth outcomes. With doula support, women tend to need pregnant women and young mothers with essential services organization on Facebook.
less medical intervention and their babies tend to be born including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or
healthier than without this personal support. social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education,

Students Presented from page 1 About United Way Of Martin
County
A panel of judges from the community made the United Way of Martin County’s
final selection based upon the students’ essays, their mission is to improve lives by
community involvement, leadership qualities, how they mobilizing the caring power of our
have dealt with and overcome obstacles in their lives, community. Since 1972, the United Way
and personal interviews with the high school finalists. has been working to create long-term
The high school award recipients were announced social change and provide support to
at each school’s scholarship night, and middle school Martin County residents by investing
recipients were announced at each school’s graduation in programs that strive to: enhance
ceremony. Seniors were presented with a $1,000 cash healthy living, improve education and
award and middle school recipients were presented with support financial stability.
a plaque. For more information about United
High School Recipients Way of Martin County, visit www.
Clark Advanced Learning Center UnitedWayMartin.org or call (772) Six students from Clark Advanced Learning Center were honored with Joe
• Cecilia Galeas 283-4800. Kordick Youth Character Awards. Left to right: Cecilia Galeas, Sydnee Gilliam,
• Sydnee Gilliam Rebecca O’Neill, Juliana Sequeira, Samuel Vinci and Roman Woodcock
• Rebecca O’Neill
• Juliana Sequeira
• Samuel Vinci
• Roman Woodcock
Martin County High School
• Elizabeth Buntin
• Jocelyn Hlywa
• Lauryn Klostreich
• Hudson McKinney
• Mark White
South Fork High School
• Esmeralda Acosta
• Christopher Carnes
Middle School Award Recipients
• Hayden Mathews, Murray Middle School
• Doriellen Padden, Hidden Oaks Middle School
• Zane Price, Stuart Middle School
• Aiden Wintercorn, Stuart Middle School

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