The right start makes all the difference in the world.
People Shores Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre is hosting a pre-natal and post-natal education clinic for new moms and moms-to-be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the clinic at 1540 Desoto Avenue.
“We have partnered with People Shore to help educate families on the importance of pre-natal and post-natal care in the development of children,” said Charlotte Brister of the Department of Human Services. “Every study I have ever seen say health care, screening and diet are so important in the development of a child.”
Saturday’s event is open to the public and will have information on healthcare during pregnancy and care for the baby once it gets here. There will be people on site who can also direct moms and infants to resources in the community to help with those needs.
“The Delta has a problem with low-birth weight and infant development,” said Brister. “We’ve found once people get involved with our programs those numbers change. We’re urging families to just come by and let us help them.”
Mississippi has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation.
All services Saturday are free. There will also be door prizes, clinic tours and refreshments.
Tina Bailey is a nurse and employee of People Shores. She said nutrition for mother and child are so critical to the proper development of a child, the mother’s health and future children.
“Too much sugar or salt, too much fat and just not eating properly can cause problems,” said Bailey. “Often just teaching a new mother how to eat healthy and also how to feed her child health food can improve their quality of life.”
She said proper diet can also prevent birth defects.
People Shores, Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre was dedicated in June plans call for it to open its doors to pregnant women and infants who qualify for free healthcare in just a few short months. Saturday’s event is part of a process of ramping up for service to the community.
For details call 662-351-0518 or just stop by Saturday morning. The event is open to the public.