Highland Presbyterian Quilters presented 15 baby quilts for new mothers and babies in Lancaster General Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership program.
The new mom looked at the beautiful, handstitched baby quilt in disbelief. The gift was an expression of love that touched the young woman who received the quilt when her baby was born. It also was appreciated by the nurse who proudly handed it to her at a home visit.
Earlier this year, the Highland Quilters of Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster presented church member Jennifer Walker, LCSW, of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, with 15 colorful, handmade baby quilts to be given to new mothers through the Nurse-Family Partnership program. Walker is a social worker with the program, which provides first-time, low-income mothers with in-home health-care services, parenting education, emotional support and guidance to ensure mothers are taking care of themselves and giving their babies a healthy start.
“Our moms light up when they see these works of art,” said Meggin Santiago, MSN, nurse supervisor of Nurse-Family Partnership. “We encourage families to do ‘tummy time’ with their babies to promote their growth and development. One mom was uncomfortable putting her baby girl directly on the hardwood floor, so I suggested she use her quilt. Every time I visited her after that, the mom had her quilt laid out with toys for the baby to play with. On one visit, her baby was not feeling well, and the mom was cuddled with her daughter under the quilt, reading a book.”
In the Nurse-Family Partnership, each mother is connected to her own personal registered nurse, who offers home visits throughout the pregnancy and until the baby is two years old. New moms are also provided referrals for health care, child care, job training and other available community services.
“My nurses and I are so thankful for the love and care shown to our families by the Highland Quilters,” Santiago added.