Program to Offer Help to New Moms
By John Canalis
LONG BEACH – Back in the mid-1980s, when Gerrie Schipske served as local chapter president of the National Organization for Women, she started “community baby showers.”
The goal was to collect necessities for low-income women who had just given birth but had few financial resources to care for a child.
“We said, ‘Let’s have something where we’re supportive of women who want to carry their babies to term,”‘ she recalled Friday afternoon.
Schipske, now a Long Beach city councilwoman, is bringing back the idea this month so that impoverished moms can leave the hospital with the basics they need.
She is soliciting donations of diapers, diaper bags, baby wipes, bibs, booties, socks, pajamas, gowns, blankets, shirts, infant hats and money.
To encourage breast feeding, which studies show is healthier for infants, the councilwoman, at the advice of public health nurses, is not accepting bottles.
Schipske said the “newborn kits” will be given to women who complete prenatal care programs with the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.
“They said they could use some items as incentives for pregnant moms to complete prenatal care program,” she said. “That’s when I put the idea together.”
Health Department officials working on the program were said to be in all-day meetings Friday and could not be reached for comment.
The department works closely with low-income populations to reduce the risk of miscarriage and other problems associated with pregnancy. In addition to serving on the council, Schipske is a registered nurse and practicing attorney.
The councilwoman is organizing the effort with help from her nonprofit, Long Beach Care. Churches, community organizations and mommy groups are assisting in the goal to build 200 newborn kits.
Schipske needs volunteers to help her assemble the kits at the “5th District’s Community Baby Shower,” 1:30p.m. May 9 at the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, 2525 Grand Ave.
The councilwoman plans to present the kits to public health nurses at the May 13 City Council meeting, 5 p.m. in Council Chambers, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.
Those who would like to donate goods can bring them to the councilwoman’s neighborhood office, 2760Studebaker Road, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 5.
Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation toward the newborn kits can write a check payable to Long Beach Cares, write “Community Baby Shower” in the memo line and then mail it to Long Beach Cares, 2525 Grand Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815.
Schipske staff member Tiffany Andrews has more information at 562- 570-6932 and district5@longbeach.gov.
john.canalis@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1273
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