FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2009

Parents who want to learn and share effective parenting techniques and resources should consider attending the next New Mom’s Network meeting at St. John’s Mercy Hospital (SJMH). The New Mom’s Network, a SJMH community outreach program, meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Hospital. The program welcomes moms and dads, new or experienced, and their children.

“It’s really informal, with practical information that is not overwhelming,” said Program Coordinator Diana Luechtefeld, RN. “We usually have a speaker talk for about 30 minutes about topics related to parenting, and we provide information and resources for moms who have questions about child care.”

Often, information comes from another parent in the program. 

“It is truly a network where the moms get a chance to talk among themselves and help each other out through experiences they have had,” Luechtefeld said. “It is very informal and designed so that moms can feel comfortable bringing their children in, and coming and going as they need to, even when the speaker is there. Also, the kids, as they grow, get a chance to play together.”

Some moms have been coming for years, through several pregnancies. Holly Haberberger of Villa Ridge first attended a New Mom’s Network meeting over three years ago, when her oldest son was about five months old. As a new mom living in the country, Haberberger didn’t have much of an opportunity to meet other new mothers.

“When I first started going, I didn’t know anybody else with kids, and I wanted to meet other people with kids,” Haberberger said. She ended up meeting people who live nearby her home, and they still are her friends.

Children range in age from newborn up to three or four years old. The youngest baby ever brought to a meeting was a newborn on her way home from the hospital. Luechtefeld said the mother heard that Santa was visiting and wanted a Christmas photo of the latest arrival.

Past speakers have included a pharmacist, massage therapist and financial planner.

The moms always have a chance to ask questions and visit with each other.

“They get a chance to talk among themselves and help each other out through experiences that they have had,” Luechtefeld said.

Typically, four to ten parents attend each meeting, and there is space for more. Luechtefeld hopes more dads will attend. She said that the Hospital is considering changing the name of the program to make it clearer to dads that they are welcome and also would benefit from the meetings.

Meetings are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month on the Fourth Floor solarium at the Hospital, 901 E. Fifth Street in Washington. No reservations are necessary, and parents are welcome to bring their babies, older siblings or friends. For more information, call 636-239-8529.

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