Prenatal care is perhaps the most critical service all expectant mothers, and black and brown mothers in particular, can access for themselves and their babies. Watch this video to learn how prenatal care can be a matter of life and death. Community Connections supported mentors who checked in on pregnant mothers to encourage them to seek prenatal care from doctors, doulas and midwives.

Mothers and Fathers are primary caregivers to children. Fathers experience hopes, apprehensions and make plans for the arrival of a new baby. They also contribute enormous time and effort caring for and loving their children. According to the Center for Disease Control, black and brown fathers actually spend more time than their white counterparts tending to their children.

Accidental suffocation or strangulation of babies occurs too frequently. Following these guidelines for safe sleep can reduce the risk of this and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Community Connections has supported many projects that promote safe sleep.

How and what infants, toddlers and young children eat has a powerful effect on their health, growth, and development. Check out what these fun and first foods have to say about the nutrition needs of infants and toddlers. Community leaders in Community Connections’ network designed projects to teach new mothers how to prepare affordable and nutritious foods.