Fall at NMPP
October is SIDS/SUID Awareness Month —
plus program updates, resources, and opportunities for NMPP families
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Raising Awareness and Promoting Safe Infant Sleep
October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3,400 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. These tragic deaths remain a significant public health
concern.
At NMPP, we stand in solidarity with families who have experienced the devastating loss of an infant. We recognize the profound grief, emotional trauma, and challenges these families may face following an unexpected infant death, including medical investigations and interactions with law enforcement and child welfare agencies. For families with other minor children, these circumstances can be especially frightening and stressful.
No family should have to navigate such a painful experience without compassion, understanding, and appropriate support. We believe that raising awareness, providing education, and promoting safe infant sleep practices are essential steps toward protecting babies and supporting families.
That is why we are calling on healthcare professionals, parents, grandparents, and all caregivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safe sleep practices for every infant, during every nap and every night.
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THIS FALL AT NMPP
Celebrating families, strengthening community, and expanding access to care
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Moms-to-Be Social
Celebrating & Supporting Moms
On September 30, NMPP welcomed more than 30 families to our Moms-to-Be Social, held in partnership with New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College and East Side S.O.U.L. Family Enrichment Center.
Expectant and new mothers had an opportunity to connect with one another, receive health information, and learn about resources supporting maternal and infant well-being. Families received information on breastfeeding, safe infant sleep, health insurance, and accessing healthcare services, while NewYork-Presbyterian offered blood pressure screenings.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to East Side S.O.U.L. Family Enrichment Center for welcoming us into their space, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College for their partnership, and our NMPP staff for making this special gathering possible.
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Ask the Doctor
Trusted Health Information for Families
NMPP’s Ask the Doctor series brings together pediatric residents from Columbia University, parents, caregivers, and Community Health Workers for monthly conversations about children’s health, safety, and well-being.
Recent sessions included:
- July: Pediatric Injury Prevention
- August: Sleep Tips for Babies & Children
- September: School & Daycare Readiness
These conversations give families an opportunity to ask questions, gain practical knowledge, and receive trusted health information to support their children.
Our Ask the Doctor sessions are open to the entire community. Help us spread the word!
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Fresh Food, Healthy Families
Throughout August and September, NMPP organized visits to local farmers markets to help families access fresh, nutritious foods and explore healthy eating together.
Participating families received Health Bucks to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables while discovering seasonal produce and learning more about incorporating nutritious foods into everyday meals.
Each outing welcomed approximately four to six families, creating an intimate opportunity to connect, learn, and bring healthy choices home.
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Supporting Early Childhood Development
On September 22, NMPP partnered with Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center to host a Child Development and Early Intervention Workshop for local families.
Participants learned about developmental milestones, signs of potential developmental delays, and the importance of early intervention in helping children grow and thrive.
Nine families participated in the workshop!
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EMPOWER DOULA PROGRAM UPDATE
GROWING OUR COMMUNITY OF BIRTH WORKERS
September marked an exciting milestone for NMPP’s EMPOWER Community Doula Training and Mentorship Program.
Our third mentorship cohort came together in person to celebrate the completion of their program, reflect on their accomplishments, and look toward the next steps in their professional journeys.
At the same time, we welcomed 15 trained community doulas into our fourth mentorship cohort. As part of their onboarding and continued professional development, participants completed HIPAA training and began the process of obtaining National Provider Identifier numbers.
Through EMPOWER, NMPP continues to invest in community-based birth workers and strengthen support for mothers and families throughout our communities.
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SUPPORT FOR EXPECTANT & NEW MOTHERS
HEALTHY JOURNEY
Childbirth Education & Maternal Nurse Consultations
Thursdays, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Preparing for a new baby comes with many questions, and NMPP is here to help. Every Thursday, expectant mothers can access childbirth education and meet one-on-one with a maternal health nurse at NMPP. Classes provide information to help families prepare for labor, delivery, and the postpartum period, while individual consultations offer a space to ask pregnancy-related questions and receive guidance.
Know an expectant mother? Help us spread the word about these free and valuable services.
PEACE for Moms
You Don’t Have to Navigate Motherhood Alone
NMPP’s PEACE for Moms program offers welcoming spaces for mothers to connect, share experiences, receive support, and build community.
Postpartum Support Group
Every Thursday at 10:00 AM
Motherhood can bring many emotions and challenges. Our postpartum support group gives mothers a supportive space to share their experiences, connect with others, and receive encouragement throughout the postpartum period.
Mommy & Me
Every Thursday at 2:00 PM
Spend meaningful time with your baby or toddler through activities that encourage bonding, learning, and development while connecting with other families in the community.
All mothers in the community are welcome!
For more information, contact:
Peggy Aguilar
peggy.aguilar@nmppcares.org
929-293-4009
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NMPP NEWS
Continued Support for PEACE for Moms
We’re pleased to share that the Child Welfare Fund has renewed its support of NMPP’s PEACE for Moms project for another year.
This continued partnership helps NMPP provide mothers with opportunities to connect, receive support, build community, and navigate the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum life, and motherhood.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Child Welfare Fund for its continued investment in PEACE for Moms and its commitment to supporting mothers and families in our community.
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THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
NMPP extends its heartfelt gratitude to the partners, funders, donors, and community supporters whose generosity makes our work possible.
We thank:
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
New York State Department of Health
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Child Welfare Fund
Monarch Foundation
Public Health Solutions
New York City Council
& our many individual donors and community supporters!
Together, we are creating healthier families, stronger communities, and a more equitable future for all.
THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH NMPP AND THE FAMILIES WE SERVE.
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LOOKING AHEAD:
As we move toward the end of the year, we’re grateful for another season of connecting families with care, education, resources, and community.
Save the date: GivingTuesday is December 1.
Stay connected with NMPP in the weeks ahead as we share more about the families, programs, and community partnerships your support makes possible.
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