While we can’t say which way the wind will blow the hurricane, we want to ensure that pregnant women and their families are taking the necessary precautions in case things take a turn for the worse. It is vital to have a plan for disasters such as hurricanes to avoid added stress on a family, especially during pregnancy.

These tips should come in handy in creating a family communications plan so mom, dad and any other family members involved know what to do as a team before, during and after a hurricane or in an evacuation.

To begin with, everybody needs to have a Disaster Supplies Kit and secure any missing items if possible and make sure their cars are filled with gas, etc. But if you are pregnant or have an infant, it is important to plan accordingly.

Disaster Safety for Expecting and New Parents

Disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, can be unpredictable and devastating. Learn general tips to get prepared before a disaster and what to do in case of a disaster to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Visit the CDC for Disaster Planning for Parents here: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/emergency-preparation-response/safety-messages.html

For pregnant moms, The Florida Department of Health has a recommended packing list found here. Make sure to pack enough bottled water to keep hydrated and do not lift large or heavy objects – have a friend or family member help you. If you are close to your due date, talk to your health care provider about what to do in case of emergency.

For moms with infants, March of Dimes has many helpful tips for families facing emergency situations:

• Keep a list of numbers that are important including your health care provider, case manager and hospital and keep a copy of you and your baby’s medical records and your baby’s immunization records.
• Babies have an increased need during emergency situations for comfort provided by breastfeeding and it can also provide stress relief for mom. It is the best recommendation during hurricanes as you do not need refrigeration or clean bottles.

If you are concerned about the health of you or your baby, contact your health care provider or emergency room immediately.

After the hurricane blows over, there are still many precautions to take. Do not bring any babies or children into a home that has been evacuated from until it has been checked for gas leaks, electrical system damage and sewage and water line damage.

Watches and Warnings
The National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch when the threat of hurricane conditions falls within 24-36 hours, and when conditions are expected in 24 hours or less a hurricane warning is issued. It is important to follow the advice of government officials and local law enforcement, so please listen when told to evacuate under their direction for the safety of you, your baby and your whole family.

 Resources:

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the nation’s only hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 (call or text 1-800-985-5990) to residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Callers and texters are connected with trained and caring professionals from a network of crisis centers across the country. Helpline staff provide supportive counseling, including information on common stress reactions and healthy coping, as well as referrals to local disaster-related resources for follow-up care and support.

Visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline for additional information and resources in disaster behavioral health.

May 3, 2024
9:15 AM – 4:00 PM

Holding Space for Pregnancy & Infant Loss is a transformative and interactive workshop that will compassionately and wisely prepare participants to more confidently and clearly hold space for one of life’s most painful and devastating losses.

Workshop Cost: $20 (Includes light lunch)
Must pre-register to attend, space is limited

Location: Florida Department of Health, Brevard County
Bill Posey Conference Center, 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940

*6 CEU Credits were approved for the following:
Teachers, Nutritionists, & Nurses (RNs, LPNs, CNAs, ARNPs, Midwives)
The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County is a Florida Board of Nursing approved provider (50-255) of continuing nursing education.  This workshop topic meets Board of Nursing requirements and has been approved for 6 contact hours that will be awarded to Lab Techs, APRN’s,  RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s, Licensed Midwives, and Nutritionists.

*Workshop is partially funded by Centerstone of Florida, Inc., Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., and the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families

Special Thank you to our Funders and Sponsors:

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Keynote Speaker:

Holding Space for Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Amy Wright Glenn, MA
Founder and Director of the Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death

This six-hour workshop is designed for anyone who works with pregnant woman and/or postpartum families, and who wants to be able to better care for women and families during any kind of pregnancy or infant loss.

The course aims to strengthen and develop knowledge and skills and inspire optimal care and intends to:

• Explore pregnancy loss/perinatal bereavement care
• Explore how essential postpartum care can be woven into bereavement care following a pregnancy loss
• Explore how to avoid bias when substances are involved during a loss
• Help you to explore how the quality of our presence can inform the way people feel when we share space
• Provide you with a nurturing space in which we can become more curious about our personal and profes- sional experiences of grief and loss, and take a deeper look at how these can inform our interactions with others
• Provide you with an opportunity to reflect on how you can integrate this learning into your current practice
• We will also practice more deeply connecting to our breath and the ways in which this can help us to stay centered during challenging times

The Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard is grateful to the Community Foundation for Brevard and the Barbara Wells Family Foundation for a $5,300 grant that was used to purchase new Evenflo Sensor Safe Car Seats for Healthy Start Families that were facing financial hardships and were in need of an age-appropriate car seat for their baby.

The car seats provided to the families were equipped with Sensor Safe Technology that alerts the driver when the buckle is undone while the car is in transport, and it alerts the driver that baby is still on board the vehicle when the car is shut off to reduce the risk of leaving the child in the car and dangers of heat stroke.

Community Foundation for Brevard serves as a leader, catalyst and trusted resource for philanthropic individuals and organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain Brevard’s quality of life. For more information on the Foundation, visit their website Community Foundation for Brevard (cfbrevard.org).

Thank you again for this opportunity to provide safer options for our moms and babies in Brevard.