September 2025

A Message From NMPP

The current political climate is creating serious health risks for families. Pregnant women are increasingly afraid to seek prenatal care out of fear of arrest, and many are staying isolated in their homes. Some have even felt forced to self-deport.

These families came here seeking safety and a better life—often fleeing natural disasters or violence. Now, they are being pushed back into the same dangerous conditions they tried to escape.

As a society, we must stand together to uphold social justice and protect the dignity and well-being of all people. At NMPP, we stand with our families. We remain committed to:

Advocating for humane policies
Ensuring equitable access to care
Building communities where all people, regardless of immigration status, can live without fear

Summer Program Highlights

Breastfeeding Support

In August, we celebrated Breastfeeding Awareness Month—recognizing the many health benefits for both mothers and babies. NMPP continues to ensure families have access to resources, guidance, and encouragement for a positive breastfeeding experience. Every Thursday, new mothers receive one-on-one breastfeeding support from our dedicated maternal nurse.

A participant in our Moms & Babies Healthy Journey program shared: “I feel confident and will breastfeed my baby for up to six months!”

Strengthening Perinatal Support Through Doula Training & Mentorship

At NMPP, we are proud to expand our commitment to maternal health through the EMPOWER Doula Training Program. This initiative has grown our community doula pool to meet rising demand, while ensuring linguistic and cultural alignment with the diverse populations we serve.

EMPOWER Doula Training Program

Expands our community doula pool to meet rising demand
Ensures linguistic and cultural alignment with the diverse populations we serve
Builds a pipeline of doulas positioned to become New York State Medicaid providers

Advanced Doula Training

Held July 18 & July 25, enhancing skills and fostering peer learning for experienced doulas
16 participants received their doula certifications

Doula Mentorship Program

Launched in August, pairing newly trained doulas with experienced mentors for six months of guidance in:
Client engagement and support
Business development
Navigating Medicaid applications and billing

This mentorship ensures new doulas are equipped to provide high-quality, culturally competent care.

Supporting Early Learning

We are excited to welcome students to a new

school year at Northern Manhattan Head Start!

This past June, 58 early learners graduated and

transitioned successfully to Kindergarten. We look

forward to another year of growth, discovery, and

learning.

Fostering Trust Between Health Providers & Community Residents

Our Ask the Doctors series with pediatric residents continues to build bridges between healthcare providers and the community. These monthly workshops are designed to foster trust, improve communication, and promote health education among caregivers and staff.

Pediatric residents from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Hospital visit NMPP each month to lead informative, interactive sessions for caregivers of young children and our staff members.

Recent Workshops:

July 22, 2025 – Pediatric First Aid
August 21, 2025 – Pediatric Oral Health

We are proud to partner with NYP Weill to bring valuable, accessible health information directly to our community and empower families with the knowledge they need to care for their children.

Strengthening Families Through Education & Support

At NMPP, we remain deeply committed to empowering families through health education, community partnerships, and access to essential resources.

Moms to Be Social (June 18) – 45 mothers attended and received care packages with diapers, wipes, books, baby bags, and community resources.

Nutrition & Cooking Classes – 5-week program with Cornell Cooperative Extension; each class consisted of 8-10 participants who gained hands-on cooking and nutrition skills.

Family Empowerment Workshops (with Include NYC):
June 10 – Advocacy Skills for Families
June 24 – Promoting Positive Behavior in Young Children

August Community Events:

PICHC Program Back-to-School Giveaway & Sexual Health Clinic info table (NYC DOH)
NYPL Story Time for young children
LINC Reading & Music Workshop for babies and parents
NYP Community Affairs: Infant CPR training
Community Thrift Shop

Upcoming Events & Programs

Recurring Weekly Programs

Childbirth Education – Every Thursday at 11:30 AM
One-on-One Breastfeeding Support – Every Thursday
ESL Classes – Every Tuesday at 11 AM
Computer & ESL Classes – Every Wednesday at 11 AM

Community Events

Intro to IEPs and School-Based Mental Health + Storytime with NYPL Librarians
Wednesday, September 17 at 1 PM
Thrift Shop (in collaboration with Touro College)
Monday, September 22
Breast Cancer Awareness Event (in collaboration with Touro College) + Storytime with NYPL Librarians
Tuesday, October 21 at 1 PM
Intro to Child Development
Wednesday, October 29 at 9:30 AM

Doula Training

EMPOWER: In-Person 5-Day Doula Training, 10 AM – 4 PM
Tues, Oct 28
Thur, Nov 6
Thur, Nov 13
Tues, Nov 18
Thur, Nov 20

📲 For more information, please see the attached flyers below and scan the QR code.

Staff Workshops

Navigating the Mental Health System – Thursday, September 18 at 10 AM
Trauma and Development – Thursday, October 16 at 10 AM
Trauma and ADHD – Thursday, October 30 at 10 AM

PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS

We are deeply grateful to our partners whose support makes this work possible.

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation – Funding doula training for Spanish-speaking residents, expanding access for immigrant families.

Monarch Foundation – Supporting doula training for French-speaking residents.

CALIDA Philanthropies – Funding our new Doula Mentorship Program.

Together, we are building a more equitable and compassionate maternal and infant care system.

Congratulations to NY-CHAMP! We celebrate our partners at NY-CHAMP on the restoration of their NIH grant. We applaud their ongoing commitment to advancing community health.

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