By Blanca Garcia
Guest Columnist

In Brevard County, there is an extraordinary service addressed to our Hispanic community, especially to the Latin mothers that are about to give birth. The name of the project is “Mother-to-Be”, which is funded through the local organization Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard County, Inc. and Birth Resources of Brevard. Childbirth preparation classes are taught in Spanish for future mothers, as well as their families.

In local hospitals, it is recommended that the mother have a partner or a support person available for her when she is giving birth. The classes are for the support people as well.

The classes are given in many locations throughout Brevard County. If the mother does not have transportation when signing up for the classes, it may be possible to have a class given to her in her own home.

Some subjects included in the talks are the following: signs of premature labor, natural childbirth, cesarean, breastfeeding, baby care, childbirth and medications that are available during childbirth and more.

Also, the project has a wonderful group of bilingual women completely trained and experienced in giving support to mothers during childbirth. These women are called doulas (Greek word that means woman who support other women) or labor assistant. Their mission is to give emotional, physical and educational support which includes but is not limited to praise and encouragement to the mother, massaging the mother and helping her feel more comfortable and assisting her in understanding what she is experiencing in labor. Doula support is also helpful in supporting the baby’s father baby’s father and the rest of the family.

All of these excellent services are within your reach of your hands. For more information, call (321) 726-5848.

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