Supporting New Moms on the Southwest Side

Jasmine Williams-Lambert, a South Shore resident, decided to step out with her newborn, Simeon, who had a tough start but is now doing well. She heard about the "Barb the Breast Express" bus and decided to check it out. This bus, painted blue and decorated with art, was parked outside the WIC Greater Lawn Health Center. It offered resources for new parents, especially those from underserved communities. The bus is part of the "Feel Better, Feed Better Tour" by Pumpspotting, a group supporting breastfeeding moms. Inside, there's a "love letter well" where moms can share notes, and a space to sit and talk. Amy VanHaren, the founder of Pumpspotting, started the organization after feeling isolated as a new mom. She wants to create a supportive space for mothers. Jasmine left with some new clothes for breastfeeding. She hopes more events like this come to her neighborhood. Recent hospital closures in Chicago have made it hard for some areas to get good maternal care. The Chicago Department of Public Health is working to improve this. They found that Black women have a higher mortality rate than white women during pregnancy. Michael Cabonargi from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services says they want to help by supporting peer services and a mental health hotline for new moms. Jasmine recommends new moms take a moment for themselves and seek support.